Methods

The EPA 1600-series methods for low-level metals analysis and metals speciation were created in response to the growing awareness that some metals with very low concentrations can have big impacts on the environment, and that the form of the metal affects the bioavailability and mobility. These methods were designed to lower detection limits, minimize the risk of contamination, and provide robust quality control procedures for defensible low-level metals data. The trace metals analysis and metal speciation methods used by Brooks Applied Labs are based on, or were the inspiration for, these EPA 1600-series methods and they are specifically designed for ultra-trace detection and cutting-edge speciation. Sampling, preservation, and sample preparation techniques are optimized to minimize contamination and ensure high levels of data accuracy and precision.

Another unique benefit of the EPA 1600-series metals methods, such as EPA 1630, 1631, 1632, 1638, and 1640, is that they are “performance based”. Therefore, these methods don’t require adherence to a strictly defined methodology, but instead allow for minor variations provided the results of the quality control analyses conform to the specified criteria. By continuously refining and improving our techniques for sample preparation and analysis, our instrumentation, and our laboratory, we are able to achieve some of the lowest detection and reporting limits commercially available.

Total mercury and methylmercury analyses are performed using only Brooks Rand Instruments MERX® Analyzers with ultra-sensitive cold-vapor atomic fluorescence detectors in conformance with EPA Methods 1630 and 1631. These methods provide the most sensitive and high-quality mercury and mercury speciation data available and the use of instruments from our local sister company ensures that instrument “down-time” is virtually a non-issue.

Read: New Method for the Determination of Ra-226 in Natural Waters

Brooks Applied Labs has some of the lowest detection limits commercially available to our clients. Contact Us to get a customized list of our current MDL/MRL’s for your project.