Changes from EPA Method 218.6 to 218.7 Yield Improved Detection Limits for Hexavalent Chromium
Chromium is a naturally occurring metal that is widely used in steel making, plating, tanning, paints, dyes, and wood preservation. The most common environmental forms are trivalent Cr(III), hexavalent Cr(VI), and the metallic form Cr.
Chromium is a naturally occurring metal that is widely used in steel making, plating, tanning, paints, dyes, and wood preservation. The most common environmental forms are trivalent Cr(III), hexavalent Cr(VI), and the metallic form Cr. The trivalent form is a nutrient and sold as a nutritional supplement, while Cr(VI) is a highly toxic carcinogen and regulated by the US EPA in drinking water and certain waste waters.1, 2 Cr(VI) is also monitored in soils, sludges, sediments, concrete, and leather to prevent exposure. In the US, the Criteria for Maximum Concentration is 0.016 µg/L for surface waters. Many countries also have discharge regulations, including Argentina, Russia and Italy (0.2 mg/L); Brazil, Mexico and Poland (0.5 mg/L); and Hungary (0.1 mg/L). Some countries have set a range for their discharge limits depending on the type of water, such as Chile (0.05–0.2 mg/L) and Tunisia (0.01–0.5 mg/L).
Analytical Challenges in Measuring Migration from Food Contact Materials
November 2nd 2015Food contact materials contain low molecular weight additives and processing aids which can migrate into foods leading to trace levels of contamination. Food safety is ensured through regulations, comprising compositional controls and migration limits, which present a significant analytical challenge to the food industry to ensure compliance and demonstrate due diligence. Of the various analytical approaches, LC-MS/MS has proved to be an essential tool in monitoring migration of target compounds into foods, and more sophisticated approaches such as LC-high resolution MS (Orbitrap) are being increasingly used for untargeted analysis to monitor non-intentionally added substances. This podcast will provide an overview to this area, illustrated with various applications showing current approaches being employed.
Sustainability and Environmental Awareness in the World of Separation Science
April 22nd 2024In this written interview with Dwight Stoll, LCGC Columnist and Professor of Chemistry at Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota to address the pressing issues of sustainability and environmental awareness in separation science.
