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6 SAMPLE ANALYSIS TOOLS for VOCs, SVOCS, and PESTICIDES

6.2 EX-SITU ANALYSIS

6.2.25 Toxicity Tests


Use: Toxicity tests use specific aquatic and terrestrial organisms and/or microorganisms to measure biological response to specific contaminants or mixtures of contaminants.

See 7.1.11 for use with metals, 8.2.6 for use with radionuclides, and 9.1.6 for use with explosives.

Description:

The toxicity test consists of luminescent microorganisms which emit light as a normal consequence of respiration and a temperature controlled luminometer which reads the bacterial light output. Chemicals or chemical mixtures which are toxic to the bacteria cause a reduction in light output proportional to the strength of the toxin. A computer is linked to the system to provide data processing and storage capabilities.

Analytes:

1. Non-Halogenated VOCs 2. Non-Halogenated SVOCs 3. Halogenated VOCs
4. Halogenated SVOCs 5. PAHs 6. Pesticides/Herbicides

Media:

Soil/Sediment Water Gas/Air
BETTER BETTER BETTER
Selectivity: Technique measures a part of the compound.
Susceptibility to Interference: High.
Detection Limits : Not Applicable.
Turnaround Time per Sample: Minutes.
Applicable To:
Screen/Identify Characterize Concentration/Extent Cleanup Performance Long-Term Monitoring
BETTER BETTER SERVICEABLE BETTER
Quantitative Data Capability: Data become quantitative with additional effort.
Technology Status: Commercially available technology with moderate field experience.
Certification/Verification: Technology has not participated in CalEPA certification and/or CSCT verification program.
Relative Cost per Analysis: Least expensive.

Limitations:

ASTM Standards/EPA Methods:

No applicable ASTM standards or EPA methods are cited for this technology.


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