INCD ECOIND – INTERNATIONAL SYMPOSIUM – SIMI 2016 “THE ENVIRONMENT AND INDUSTRY”, PROCEEDINGS BOOK 179 MEMBRANE INTERFACE PROBE (MIP) – INNOVATIVE APPROACH TO INVESTIGATION AND REMEDIATION OF CONTAMINATED SITES Vladislav Knytl 1 , Jan Kukacka 1 , Ondrej Lhotsky 1 , Robert Raschman 1 1 DEKONTA, a.s., Volutova 2523, 158 N00 Prague, Czech Republic, info@dekonta.cz Abstract: Membrane Interface Probe - MIP (Geoprobe, USA) is a helpful tool used to detect the presence of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with depth in contaminated soil. Dekonta used MIP technology within several research projects. Further, Dekonta was participating on development of specially designed injection equipment (MIP-IN) complementary to MIP for efficient application of remediation agents. Keywords: MIP, remediation,contaminated site, direct-push, investigation, ISCO Introduction Detailed investigation of the pollution of soils is an important part of contaminated sites clean-up. An important approach that can be used in remediation field represent direct sensing methods (eg. direct push methods). Most of these technologies are essential part of High Resolution Site Characterization (HSCR). This is a strategy developed by US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) focusing on scale-appropriate measurement and sample density to define contaminant distributions, and the physical context in which they reside, with greater certainty, supporting faster and more effective site cleanup [1]. Among the most widespread technologies include Membrane Interface Probe (MIP) developed by Geoprobe company (Geoprobe, USA). MIP is a helpful tool used for detection of volatile organic compounds (VOCs) with depth in contaminated soil. MIP was used within many research projects for site characterisation (e.g. [2], [3]). Materials and Methods The MIP system is composed of a penetration probe, a control unit, and a gas chromatograph. Use of the technology on site consists in penetration of the probe into the soil using the drilling rig and continuous measurement of the gases sucked by the probe. The probe is heated during the whole period of penetration, and mobilised contaminants enter the system, on the principle of diffusion through a special semi- permeable membrane, and then are carried by carrier gas - N2 to the GC. Further, the probe is equipped with a dipole sensor for measuring electrical conductivity (EC) of the surrounding environment, which helps to improve information on lithology profile (higher values of EC indicates low permeable formations). MIP may be used for a broad spectrum of volatile organic contaminants (BTEX, chlorinated hydrocarbons, petroleum substances, MTBE, etc.) The gas chromatograph is equipped with three detectors: PID (aromatic hydrocarbons, unsaturated hydrocarbons); FID (ethenes, light hydrocarbons C1-C9) and XSD (chlorinated hydrocarbons). The MIP assembly and example of log can be seen on following picture.