State Approves New Waste Analysis Method at Hanford's 222-S Laboratory

Solomon Bairai of Navarro-ATL prepares a Twister Stir Bar sample for analysis at the Hanford Site's 222-S Laboratory. This process helps identify which chemicals are present in tank waste and in what amounts.

RICHLAND, Wash. — A new method has received state approval for use at the Hanford Site's 222-S Laboratory, improving how experts analyze tank waste and providing more precise data to support safe, efficient cleanup.

The laboratory method, known as Stir Bar Sorptive Micro-Extraction — or Twister Stir Bar for short — was accredited by the Washington State Department of Ecology. It uses a magnetic stir bar to absorb organic compounds from liquid waste samples, which are then analyzed to determine which chemicals are present and in what amounts.

"This accreditation is a significant advancement for our laboratory," said Solomon Bairai, a chemist with Navarro-ATL, who was instrumental in applying this method at the 222-S Laboratory. "It enables us to analyze complex organic compounds in tank waste with greater precision and efficiency, supporting our continuous improvement and innovation at the lab and across the site."

The method also reduces radiation exposure risks, produces less laboratory waste and creates cost saving opportunities. In addition, it supports One Hanford collaboration by helping tank waste contractor Hanford Tank Waste Operations & Closure meet critical performance requirements. One Hanford is a collaborative effort across the site that includes federal and contractor employees.

"Innovative lab methods like this give our teams greater confidence in the data guiding our fieldwork," said Ricky Bang, assistant manager for Tank Waste Operations at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Environmental Management Hanford Field Office. "Better analysis leads to better decisions about how we manage and prepare tank waste for safe disposal."

The technique was developed by 222-S Laboratory contractor Navarro-ATL with support from the Savannah River National Laboratory in South Carolina, reflecting DOE's broader effort to share technologies and scientific advancements across cleanup sites nationwide.

-Contributor: Tracie Arnold