ORGANIC-ANALYSIS OF THE HEADSPACE OF HANFORD WASTE TANK 241-C-103

Organic species from the headspace of one Hanford radioactive waste ta nk are described. Samples were collected either using a sorbent trap o r a SUMMA(TM) canister and were analyzed by gas chromatography and mas s spectrometry. The headspace contained several organic components, in cluding alkanes, alkenes, ketones, aldehydes, organic nitriles, and ch lorinated hydrocarbons, Sorbent trap samples were designed to collect only normal paraffin hydrocarbons (NPHs). A comparison of NPH data fro m sorbent traps and SUMMA(TM) cans revealed results of 693 and 1320 mg /m(3), NPH respectively. Significant differences were observed in NPH values when samples were collected at different times, or at different locations in the tank. These data suggest either the time of collecti on, or the position of the sampling device are important variables in the analysis of organic species from Hanford tanks.