PCB209

PCBs as Decachlorobiphenyl – Drinking Water

Laboratory Fee Schedule

Procedure: EZZ0082A

 

PCBs as Decachlorobiphenyl – Drinking Water

 
Synonym(s): PCBs as Decachloribiphenyl in Water
Requisition Form G-22
Test Description

PCB SOC6 EPA method 508A:

Determination of total polychlorinated biphenyls as Decachlorobiphenyl equivalent in drinking water.
Pre-Approval Needed N/A
Supplemental Information Required Measure and record the chlorine residual
Supplemental Form(s) N/A
Performed on Specimens from (sources) Environmental
Sample/Specimen Type for Testing Drinking Water
Minimum Volume/Size Required Collect triplicate (3) samples.  Narrow-mouth amber glass bottle with Teflon (PTFE) cap liner; 1 quart (1 L)
Storage/Preservation Prior to Shipping
  • No chemical preservation reagents are recommended.
  • Open the tap and allow the system to flush until the water temperature stabilizes, at least 5 minutes. Turn flow down to a smooth, pencil thin stream.
  • Remove cap from the bottle, tilt, and place under stream.
  • Fill bottles to 90-95% full
  • Store at 4°C
Transport Medium N/A
Specimen Labeling
  • Label each bottle with a water proof marker.
  • Pre-printing labels is acceptable.  
  • Sample identification must match submission form.
Shipping and Specimen Handling Requirements
  • Ship according to Dangerous Goods Regulations, IATA, and/or CFR.
  • Ship on ice (4°C). 
Method EPA 508A
Turn-around Time Samples must be extracted by the lab within 14 days of collection.
Interferences/Limitations

Collection containers should be meticulously cleaned.

Matrix interferences may be caused by contaminants that are coextracted from the sample. The extent of matrix interferences may vary considerably from sample to sample. 

This method is prone to false positives.  In addition to PCBs, several compounds and classes of compounds will form DCB with varying yields when extracted and perchlorinated according to this procedure. Based upon a literature search such compounds include biphenyl,

polyhalogenated biphenyls, hydrogenated biphenyls, and polyhalogenated terphenyls. If such compounds are present in the extract, false positive or positively biased data will be generated.
Common Causes for Rejection Insufficient quantity, unacceptable specimen type or source, improper shipping conditions, expired media or collection container, discrepancies between specimen label and submission form, and/or incomplete or missing submission form
Additional Information

This sample is collected for confirmation when an Aroclor is detected by screening method 508.1.  Contact laboratory in advance to see if reagents are available for testing due to high method blanks. 

 

Contact the laboratory at (512) 776-7587 for currently supported analyte list.