Challenges Seen in the Development and Delivery of EPA 537 R1.1 (and DOD-modification)
Characterization of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Environment
Oral Presentation
Prepared by W. Perry
Gulf Coast Analytical Laboratories, LLC, 7979 Innovation Park Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, 70820, United States
Contact Information: william.perry@gcal.com; 225-214-7077
ABSTRACT
The development of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analysis through credentialing and delivery of services has been a particularly challenging period for Gulf Coast Analytical Laboratories (GCAL).
Challenges have included dealing with a modification of an EPA drinking water method into media not originally envisioned (non-potable water and solids/waste) and expansion of the target list in coordination with application of isotopic dilution meeting the specification of an incomplete contract specification document.
Initially, standards were only available from a few manufacturers and GCAL's needs had pre-dated the step up in production that saw a lag in production of new lots by 4 to 6 months. This resulted in performance testing providers (PTP) using the same lots of neat materials as calibration standards, second source standards and PT samples.
To date, no one has stepped forward to ensure all targets have the nominal identification (CAS numbers) and this provided challenges in accreditation applications. Accreditation bodies (AB) have proven flexible in the face of this quickly developing need and several laboratories obtained the credentialing to provide the services. Unfortunately, other labs did not pursue the approved process and ABs have had to step in to deal with fraudulent claims.
The market into which GCAL emerged last summer was and remains highly competitive. Demands have caused further refinement of GCAL's procedures, including decrease in detection limits (DL) and reduction in sample volume. State promulgation of action limits have resulted in further exploration of what is possible, and this test continues to be pushed to lower and lower DL.
This presentation will discuss these issues, GCAL's recent and ongoing client/AB questions and challenges, that to date it has addressed to the satisfaction of all parties. Through this presentation, GCAL will offer the audience the chance to query us on how we have met expectation and demonstrated our competency to delivery PFAS analysis in water, soils and wastes.
Characterization of Polyfluoroalkyl Substances in the Environment
Oral Presentation
Prepared by W. Perry
Gulf Coast Analytical Laboratories, LLC, 7979 Innovation Park Drive, Baton Rouge, LA, 70820, United States
Contact Information: william.perry@gcal.com; 225-214-7077
ABSTRACT
The development of perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) analysis through credentialing and delivery of services has been a particularly challenging period for Gulf Coast Analytical Laboratories (GCAL).
Challenges have included dealing with a modification of an EPA drinking water method into media not originally envisioned (non-potable water and solids/waste) and expansion of the target list in coordination with application of isotopic dilution meeting the specification of an incomplete contract specification document.
Initially, standards were only available from a few manufacturers and GCAL's needs had pre-dated the step up in production that saw a lag in production of new lots by 4 to 6 months. This resulted in performance testing providers (PTP) using the same lots of neat materials as calibration standards, second source standards and PT samples.
To date, no one has stepped forward to ensure all targets have the nominal identification (CAS numbers) and this provided challenges in accreditation applications. Accreditation bodies (AB) have proven flexible in the face of this quickly developing need and several laboratories obtained the credentialing to provide the services. Unfortunately, other labs did not pursue the approved process and ABs have had to step in to deal with fraudulent claims.
The market into which GCAL emerged last summer was and remains highly competitive. Demands have caused further refinement of GCAL's procedures, including decrease in detection limits (DL) and reduction in sample volume. State promulgation of action limits have resulted in further exploration of what is possible, and this test continues to be pushed to lower and lower DL.
This presentation will discuss these issues, GCAL's recent and ongoing client/AB questions and challenges, that to date it has addressed to the satisfaction of all parties. Through this presentation, GCAL will offer the audience the chance to query us on how we have met expectation and demonstrated our competency to delivery PFAS analysis in water, soils and wastes.