Abstract: Methods and kits for the removal of organic contaminants from contaminated samples are generally provided. In some embodiments, the methods and kits comprise a surfactant and adsorbent particles.

Abstract: The disclosure features systems and methods for detecting organic compounds that include: (a) a transfer line; (b) a probe connected to a first end of the transfer line, the probe including an inlet port and a membrane positioned across an opening in the inlet port; (c) an analysis unit connected to a second end of the transfer line; and (d) an electronic controller. The analysis unit can include a valve featuring multiple ports, a first detection unit configured to measure a photoionization current, and a second detection unit configured to identify chemical compounds, and a trap configured to condense chemical compounds from a vapor phase to a liquid phase. The electronic controller is connected to the valve, the first and second detection units, and the trap.

Abstract: The present invention is directed both to an improved in situ penetrometer probe and to a heated, flexible transfer line. The line and probe may be implemented together in a penetrometer system in which the transfer line is used to connect the probe to a collector/analyzer at the surface. The probe comprises a heater that controls a temperature of a geologic medium surrounding the probe. At least one carrier gas port and vapor collection port are located on an external side wall of the probe. The carrier gas port provides a carrier gas into the geologic medium, and the collection port captures vapors from the geologic medium for analysis. In the transfer line, a flexible collection line that conveys a collected fluid, i.e., vapor, sample to a collector/analyzer. A flexible carrier gas line conveys a carrier gas to facilitate the collection of the sample. A system heating the collection line is also provided.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for determining the presence or absence of a specific constituent in a mixture. A thermal desorption unit includes a body providing a desorption chamber, a removable end cap for closing the chamber, a desorber heating system arranged to heat the desorption chamber, a gas inlet to the desorption chamber, and a gas outlet from the desorption chamber. A valve assembly can operate in a run mode to direct a carrier gas to the thermal desorption unit gas inlet, and couple the thermal desorption unit gas outlet to an inlet of a sample analysis instrument. The valve assembly also can operate in a flush mode to direct the carrier gas to the inlet of the gas analysis instrument, direct a flushing gas to the thermal desorption unit gas inlet, and couple the thermal desorption unit gas outlet to an exhaust.

Abstract: This invention provides methods and apparatus for determining the presence or absence of a specific constituent in a mixture. The method includes the steps of (a) applying energy to the mixture to cause constituents in the mixture to produce characteristic patterns of spectral lines and detecting quantity values at the spectral lines, wherein a quantity value may represent a contribution of two or more constituents; (b) comparing detected quantity values for a number N of spectral lines from a pattern of spectral lines characteristic of the specific constituent with known quantity values for the N spectral lines; (c) determining whether the detected quantity values for the N spectral lines fall within a predetermined error range, and; (d) determining the presence of the constituent in the mixture when detected quantity values of a number of spectral lines less than N fall within the predetermined error range.

Abstract: A novel method for making metals and homogeneous metal alloys comprises the steps of (a) providing a polymetallic complex of the general formula(.mu..sub.4 -0)L.sub.4 M'M"M'"M""X.sub.nwherein L is a ligand selected from the group consisting of organic and inorganic ligands, wherein M', M", M'", and M"" are metal atoms two or more of which may be the same, wherein X is a halogen atom, and wherein n is an integer ranging from 4 to 6; and (b) electrochemically depositing at least one of the metals from said polymetallic complex.