Analysis of Petroleum Contaminated Soil and Water: An Overview

Spills, leaks, and other releases of gasolines, diesel fuels, heating oils, and other petroleum products often result in the contamination of soil and water. Analyses required to evaluate the extent of such releases and the threat they present to public health and the environment take a variety of forms. Analytical objectives are also diverse and often poorly specified. They range from a simple assessment of “presence or absence” to determination of the concentration of certain toxic substances these products contain.