Research Areas > Contaminants > Measurement, Fate & Bioavailability > Analytical Method Development for CECs

Project: Development of Analytical Methods for Contaminants of Emerging Concern

Background and Objective

Most contaminant monitoring in California is focused on a list of chemicals of historical concern; less effort focuses on assessing the extent and effects of new contaminants of emerging concern (CECs). This is partly due to a lack of proven methods for many emerging contaminants, which are needed to measure the low levels typically found in the environment. In addition, developing analytical methodologies is complicated by contaminant profiles that change over time due to degradation and/or weathering. However, with ever-improving technology, analytical methods for low level environmental contaminants in sediment, water and tissue are constantly being refined. The purpose of this project is to develop, evaluate and help standardize methods for target analytes within the matrices of interest, so that these methods can be used to study their sources, occurrence and fates in our coastal marine environments.

Status

This is an ongoing project.

Methods

Appropriate target analytes, as well as candidate sample processing and determinative (i.e., instrumental) protocols will be identified. High purity standards will also be identified for use in intercalibration exercises. Researchers will then coordinate and carry out intercalibration exercises to standardize the methods among several  local laboratories, and results on the effectiveness of the methods will be compiled.
 

Findings

Some of SCCWRP's recently developed analytical methods have been able to detect very low levels of pyrethroid pesticides, a suspected toxic agent in coastal sediments throughout California. In estuarine sediments, concentrations below parts per billion (ppb) have been detected with good accuracy and precision.
 

Partners

US Environmental Protection Agency, National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST)
US Geological Survey
Hercules, Inc.

Presentations

Lao, W, Tsukada D, Maruya K, Sayre J, Adams R. Low-density polyethylene devices (PEDs) for preconcentration of waterborne pyrethroids. Presented at the SETAC Southern California Regional Chapter 2008 Annual Meeting, May 5-6, 2008, Dana Point, CA.