Nontargeted Analysis of a Non-Aqueous-Phase Liquid From a Chemical Manufacturing Site Using Nuclear Magnetic Resonance Spectroscopy.

Non-aqueous-phase liquids (NAPLs), composed primarily of organic solvents and other immiscible liquids, can be found in the subsurface at many industrial sites. The chemical composition of NAPLs is often complex and, in many instances, difficult to fully characterize using conventional analytical techniques based on targeted compound analysis. Incomplete characterization of NAPLs leaves gaps in the understanding of the chemical profile at an impacted site.

Practical application of H benchtop NMR spectroscopy for the characterization of a nonaqueous phase liquid from a contaminated environment.

Nonaqueous phase liquids (NAPLs) located at the surface of the water table and/or below the water table are often a significant source for groundwater contamination near current or former commercial/industrial facilities. Due to the complex and long history of many industrial sites, these NAPLs often contain a complex mixture of contaminants and as such can be difficult to fully characterize using conventional analytical methods. Remediation and risk assessment activities at sites containing NAPLs may, subsequently, be hindered as the contamination profile may not be fully understood.