Accurate soil investigations and their sampling programs are a critical component of reliable, efficient and cost-effective cleanup processes.

Traditional sampling methods are characterized by low detection levels and a broad analysis spectrum. However delineation of the contaminated area by traditional sampling methods is not only a time and cost consuming task but also parts of the contaminated area could be overlooked.

“On site” soil characterization technologies such as the MIP and ROST techniques are already frequently applied to obtain additional information which cannot be obtained by traditional sampling methods. Although conventional MIP has proven its use in source zones survey, the characterization of plumes is difficult due to the rather high detection limits of the conventional detectors (PID, ECD, FID). Detection limits are highly dependent on membrane temperature, detector maintenance, operator experience, ... (Bodem 3, 2008). A recent article (J. Soil Sediments 9:74-82 (2009)) mentions detection limits of 3000-10000 ug/l. Due to modifications of the detectors which cause less background noise, some providers can detect concentrations in optimal conditions down to ca. 200 - 500 ug/l, but which is still much higher compared to soil clean up values.