Formatted Title:

Potential Analytical Chemistry Issues Related to the Development of Preliminary Remediation Goals for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons

Background/Objectives:

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are a typical contaminant of concern for contaminated sediment sites. Laboratory sediment toxicity tests are often used to develop preliminary remediation goals (PRGs) for the protection of sensitive ecological receptors such as benthic invertebrates. The objective of this presentation is to illustrate how variability among analytical laboratories in fully validated, reported concentrations of PAHs can contribute to uncertainty in the development and application of PRGs at PAH-contaminated sites.

Approach/Activities:

A case study will be presented to illustrate low bias in reported concentrations of PAHs in split samples analyzed by one laboratory in comparison to another laboratory. Differences among laboratories in standard operating protocols (SOPs) for analysis of PAHs in sediment, including extraction methods, influence of water content on extraction efficiency, extent of dilutions, and variation in analytical run times will be discussed. Recommendations for quality control/quality assurance measures, such as a careful review of preliminary data packages and addition of standard reference materials (SRMs) to analytical programs will be discussed.

Results/Lessons Learned:

This presentation will illustrate how interlaboratory analytical variability can contribute to uncertainty in comparison of PRGs developed from site specific toxicity testing to historic data collected to characterize the nature and extent of contamination at a site. Uncertainty associated with interlaboratory variability needs to be identified early and accounted for when developing workplans and evaluating data usability.

Abigail Small

Affiliation

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(Group 1, Poster Board #47) Potential Analytical Chemistry Issues Related to the Development of Preliminary Remediation Goals for Polycyclic Aromatic Hydocarbons