TestAmerica Speaks on PPCP Analysis and Impacts of Sample Salinity at the 2010 Sediment Management Annual Review Meeting

TestAmerica’s Dave Herbert will be discussing the unique impacts that varying levels of salinity have on the analytical determination of Pharmaceuticals and Personal Care Products (PPCPs) in environmental samples at the Sediment Management Annual Review Meeting (SMARM). Hosted by the USACE, Seattle District, the presentation will be given on May 5, 2010 in Seattle, WA.

PPCPs are a new class of emerging contaminants, posing a potential risk to human health and the environment. PPCPs commonly include medicinal, cosmetic, and personal hygiene products. Current water treatment techniques do not eliminate and in many cases, cannot minimize concentrations of these contaminants. Subsequently they pass through the cleaning process into the finished water, which discharges to lakes, rivers and oceans.

Recent studies show environmental impacts to ecosystems in and around these contaminated water sources, and raise concern over potential future impacts for projects that involve manufacturing fresh water from “non-fresh” water sources. Saline waters, such as ocean water, often will present unique testing challenges when applying analytical methodologies originally developed for freshwater matrices.

TestAmerica performed a study to determine the common PPCP compound concentrations and the feasibility of using advanced analytical methodologies for these non-routine matrices. The presentation will focus primarily on data findings from a sample collection program study conducted throughout the Puget Sound region in Washington, revealing the potential impact of varying levels of salinity in determining many PPCP contaminants.

About TestAmerica

TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, including 36 laboratories and 31 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

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