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Integrated Forensics Approach To Fingerprint PCB Sources In Sediments Using Immunoassays And GC/MS Congener Analyses
Citation:
Leather, J., G. Durell, G. W. Johnson, AND M. MILLS. Integrated Forensics Approach To Fingerprint PCB Sources In Sediments Using Immunoassays And GC/MS Congener Analyses. Presented at SETAC Portland North American Meeting, Portland, OR, November 07 - 11, 2010.
Impact/Purpose:
To discuss and demonstrate the integrated forensics approach to fingerprint PCB sources in sediments using immunoassays and GC/MS congener analyses.
Description:
Determining the original source of contamination to a heterogeneous matrix such as sediments is a requirement for both clean-up and compliance programs within the military. Understanding the source of contaminants to sediment in industrial settings is a prerequisite to implementing any proposed sediment remedial options under clean-up programs. This is due to the fact that the sources must be controlled prior to remedial efforts to ensure that recontamination can be avoided. An additional reason for source identification includes ensuring that costs of any remedial efforts can be fairly allocated among multiple principle responsible parties. In some instances, elevated levels of polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) in sediment have led to impairment designations requiring the development of total maximum daily loads (TMDLs) and subsequent waste load allocations under compliance programs. Because of this, development of site-specific forensic investigations and TMDLs are closely linked. The need to develop these types of TMDLs also requires the development and use of a forensics approach to fingerprint contaminant sources so that potential load reductions can be allocated. Without a forensics study, the standard approach is to assume the most "visible" nearby facility is the source of contamination, which often turns out to be a military facility. The forensics technology to be demonstrated includes two primary components: 1) rapid sediment characterization (RSC) technologies that provide for wide spatial and temporal coverage to delineate sediment contaminant gradients and semi-quantitative characterization in a cost effective manner; and 2) advanced chemical fingerprinting (ACF) on a selected subset of samples to delineate sources. ACF includes both advanced laboratory congener analysis of samples, and the application of sophisticated data analysis and interpretation methods to fingerprint sources. Examples will be given using this approach at military sites.