TestAmerica Addresses EPA Method 1630 for Methyl Mercury Testing

Dr. Mark Bruce, Technical Director at TestAmerica’s North Canton laboratory, will speak on the only approved EPA method used for the determination of methyl mercury concentrations in water, sediment, and tissue matrices at the 2009 National Environmental Monitoring Conference (NEMC). The presentation will be given on Monday, August 10, 2009 in San Antonio, TX.

Methyl mercury is a toxic, bioaccumulative form of mercury. Low concentrations in water sources can bio-magnify as the methyl mercury is passed up the food chain. Therefore, monitoring in both water and tissue matrices is an essential means to assess risk. The Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) modified EPA Method 1630 by simplifying sample preparation and by introducing standard purge & trap gas chromatography instrumentation for analysis. These modifications increase automation, improving analytical capacity while reducing cost. These productivity and quality improvements have resulted in a wider availability of methyl mercury testing for risk assessment.

Dr. Bruce has more than 27 years of analytical chemistry experience and serves as resident technical expert for method development and modification. Recent analytical advancements led by Dr. Bruce involve arsenic and mercury speciation, vapor space organics and incremental sampling methodology. Dr. Bruce has provided his leadership in developing custom cleanup methods to address sample specific interferences. For more information on Dr. Bruce or to submit an inquiry, please contact him through TestAmerica’s Ask the Expert webpage.


About TestAmerica

TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, including 37 laboratories and 29 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.

Contact Information

James H. Miller

Vice President

TestAmerica

Contact via E-mail