Impact/Purpose:

Development of a low-level analytical method utilizing Florisil<< for the separation of co-planar PCB congeners from other congeners and subsequent analysis using GC/ECD.

Description:

The method development is on-going in the Region 10 Laboratory. The conditions of the separation technique is complete. The MDLs have been determined to be between 3 to 6 ppt in marine sediment for co-planar PCB congeners #77; #81; #126 and #169. The procedure has been used for 21 Puget Sound sediment samples and their duplicates, and 45 congeners including the four co-planar congeners have been targeted. The duplicate results as well as the matrix spike results are promising. The method scope needs to be expanded to determine applicability for fish tissue. ABSTRACT: This presentation describes a method for the extraction, cleanup, and development of the Initial Demonstration of Capability (IDC)/Method Detection Limit (MDL), and successful analyses of PBDEs in fish tissue, soil, and water. IDC/MDL summaries and actual PBDE concentrations found in each matrix are presented. Some concern existed regarding the mode of PBDE exposure for fish species taken from the Yakima River and Sturgeon taken from below the Priest Rapids Dam and above McNary Dam on the Columbia River. Since sewage treatment plant (STP) effluents are suspected as a major source of PBDEs, samples of three STP biosolids and effluents, and a hops field, where the biosolids were applied, along with sediment, water, and fresh water clam tissue from the river systems in question were analyzed and found to contain PBDEs. Furthermore, sediment samples from many other fresh and marine areas show that PBDEs are ubiquitous. EPA Mehtod 8082A, using GC/ECD along with ancillary cleanup procedures, was validated for this analysis. 2. Fire retardants are used extensively in textiles, polyurethane foam in furniture cushions, seat cushions in automobiles, electronics such as curcuit boards and plastic cases in computers, FAX machines, TVs, etc. PBDEs are the active ingredients. As yet there are no EPA regulations regarding PBDEs. California seems to be in the forefront. (Steve can give the current information here.) 3. & 4. Last year we, Region 10, proposed because "There was no official validated method for PBDE analysis at the time (of the CRITFC Project) and there still is none. There is, however a funded study proposal through the Office of Water to validate both EPA Methods 1668 (HR/MS) and 8082A (GC/ECD) over the next two years" that this item would make an excellent RMI (Regional Method Initiative). The validation study is being funded through the Office of Water (Bill Telliard's Office) for $160,000 for last year and another $160,000 for this year. Since Steve has been my replacement for the latest teleconferences, he would be in better position to evaluate the progress so far. I am continuing to reorganize the article after the peer review by selected lab personnel and plan on pursuing its publication. Barry Lesnik, OSW, has expressed interest in its incorporation into EPA Method 8082A.

Record Details: