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2.1.1 Narrative
On 23 OCT 09, two START chemists sampled and performed field analyses on an unknown material located in a utility building in Renton, Washington. The results of these analyses indicate that the material is largely comprised of a sulfite, metabisulfite or thiosulfate mixed with a commercial detergent. These are relatively benign materials commonly used in water processing. Our analyses, cannot rule out however, the possibility of low level contaminants in this matrix. Details of the analyses performed follow:
X-ray Fluorescence was performed of the bulk sample. Low levels (<500 ppm) of iron and copper were found in the material, and no other metals were present at significant levels. This residual iron and copper may be responsible for the blue color noted in the solid.
Gamma survey of the bulk sample with a NaI crystal detector revealed no elevation in radiation from the sample relative to a low background (5 µR/hr).
An initial attempt to perform Raman spectroscopy of the sample in the field was defeated by sample conditions. At our field laboratory, a moderate quality spectra was collected and identified by the instrument as a sodium sulfate and detergent.
IR analysis of the sample identified that sample as a potassium metabisulfite salt. The quality of the identification was moderate to low, with a similarity index of 0.89
Wet chemical analysis of the sample was performed using three different analytical algorithms (US EPA First Step, HazTech Solids, HazTech Anions). The results of these analyses were consistent between the different methods and are summarized below:
The material is a non-oxidizing blue-white solid that is largely soluble in water, insoluble in xylene and methanol, with an approximate pH of 8. The material gives no evidence of cyanide, sulfide or halogenated hydrocarbon constituents. The color of flame of the material is dominated by sodium emission, which may mask the presence of other alkali and alkaline earth metals. The material gives a positive sulfate test, with confirmatory persistence of precipitant in acid. A supplementary sulfite test is strongly positive for the presence of sulfite or thiosulfate. Upon burning, the material releases low pH vapors that can be ignited.
Notable during the wet chemical testing was a relatively non-water soluble fraction of the sample that floated in water, and appeared to one analyst to resemble a detergent. This unknown probably contains multiple compounds, as is common among commercial products.
In short, this material is largely a sulfite, thiosulfate, or metabisulfate salt. Another material is present in small quantities in the sample, possibly a detergent or unidentified water softener. The cations present in the sample are probably sodium and other alkali and alkaline earth metals, but further differentiation is impossible at this time.
2.1.2 Response Actions to Date
Initial emergency response. Sample collection. HazCat of unknown material.
2.1.3 Enforcement Activities, Identity of Potentially Responsible Parties (PRPs)
N/A
2.1.4 Progress Metrics
N/A
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