During a Soil Matrix cleanup, which analysis should be run first on the samples?

The first step in a Soil Matrix cleanup is to determine the presence of contamination, specifically hydrocarbons, which are often associated with heating oil spills. Running the NWTPH-HCID analysis first allows for the identification of whether the soil is contaminated with gasoline or diesel. Detecting the specific type of hydrocarbons present is crucial, as it informs subsequent remediation strategies and prioritizes the cleanup efforts.

This initial analysis is essential in assessing the extent of contamination. Knowing whether gasoline or diesel is present will guide the choice of remediation methods and determine the next steps in treatment and assessment.

The other analyses may provide valuable information, such as the soil’s acidity or metal content, but they do not directly confirm the presence of the most common contaminants in heating oil spills, making them less immediately relevant for initiating cleanup procedures. Soil texture analysis can offer insights into the physical properties of the soil but is not primarily focused on contamination identification. Thus, starting with the NWTPH-HCID analysis is a logical and effective approach for managing soil impacted by heating oil.