TestAmerica’s Expert Speaks on the Impacts of Sample Salinity for PPCP Analysis at the 2010 NEMC

Michael Flournoy, Technical Director of the West Sacramento, CA laboratory, will demonstrate the challenges of analyzing Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in water samples with high salinity. The presentation will be given at the 2010 National Environmental Monitoring Conference (NEMC) on Tuesday, August 10th in Washington, D.C.

PPCPs are a class of emerging contaminants that pose potential risk to human health and the environment. The most commonly employed treatment techniques do not eliminate the concentrations of PPCPs found in discharged water. These contaminants can be commonly found in medicinal, cosmetic, and personal hygiene products.

As fresh water sources become depleted, focus is turning towards desalination using reverse osmosis or electro-dialysis reversal of saline water. Also, many are implementing other water reuse programs. PPCP test methods originally developed for soils, sediments, drinking water, and freshwater present unique analytical challenges when testing contaminants in varying saline-based waters.

Mr. Flournoy will discuss the analytical results from a sample collection program study conducted throughout the Puget Sound region in the state of Washington, revealing the potential impact of varying levels of salinity in determining many PPCP contaminants. He will also provide data on the feasibility of using advanced analytical methodologies for the non-routine matrices.

Mr. Flournoy has over 20 years of environmental laboratory experience and is recognized as a technical expert in the industry. He has been keenly involved in the specialty development of analyzing steroids, hormones, antibacterial products, over-the-counter (OTC) medication, and other Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (Modified EPA Method 1694 and Modified EPA Method 1698). His contribution has also led to the development of High Resolution GC/MS Pesticide and Toxaphene, which is equivalent to the EPA Method 1699. To submit an inquiry to Mr. Flournoy, please visit his profile on TestAmerica’s Ask the Expert page at www.testamericainc.com.


About TestAmerica

TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, including 36 laboratories and 33 service centers. TestAmerica provides innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source and ambient air, aquatic toxicity, explosives, specialty organics, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, emerging contaminants, radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.

TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; TestAmerica Drilling Corp., provider of innovative environmental and geotechnical drilling; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients’ environmental testing needs.

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