Optimized method for dissolved hydrogen sampling in groundwater

Dissolved hydrogen concentrations are used to characterize redox conditions of contaminated aquifers. The currently accepted and recommended bubble strip method for hydrogen sampling (Wiedemeier et al., 1998) requires relatively long sampling times and immediate field analysis. In this study we present methods for optimized sampling and for sample storage. The bubble strip sampling method was examined for various flow rates, bubble sizes (headspace volume in the sampling bulb) and two different H2 concentrations. The results were compared to a theoretical equilibration model. Turbulent flow in the sampling bulb was optimized for gas transfer by reducing the inlet diameter. Extraction with a 5 mL headspace volume and flow rates higher than 100 mL/min resulted in 95-100% equilibrium within 10-15 min. In order to investigate the storage of samples from the gas sampling bulb gas samples were kept in headspace vials for varying periods. Hydrogen samples (4.5 ppmv, corresponding to 3.5 nM in liquid phase) could be stored up to 48 h and 72 h with a recovery rate of 100.1 ± 2.6% and 94.6 ± 3.2%, respectively. These results are promising and prove the possibility of storage for 2-3 days before laboratory analysis. The optimized method was tested at a field site contaminated with chlorinated solvents. Duplicate gas samples were stored in headspace vials and analyzed after 24 h. Concentrations were measured in the range of 2.5-8.0 nM corresponding to known concentrations in reduced aquifers.