Envirologix: ET013: PCB (polychlorinated biphenyl) immunoassay
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Official Method Name
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A semi-quantitative field screening test for the detection of PCB residues in soil; tube assay ET013 (EL 1999) |
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Current Revision
| 1999 |
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Media
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SOILS/SEDIMENT |
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Instrumentation
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Immunoassay |
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Method Subcategory
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Organic |
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Method Source
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Citation
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Brief Method Summary
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Inhibition immunoassay, with a colorimetric indicator for competitive binding of analyte and an enzyme-labeled conjugate to surface-immobilized antibodies. Colorimetric response is inversely related to the (log) concentration of analyte in the sample or standard. Calibrated for Aroclor 1254. Reagents are purchased in kits with manufacturers' instructions for sample preparation and analysis. Requirements: a supply of clean water and methanol, to extract soil and sediment samples, to dilute sample extracts, and to prepare standards; filtration equipment to remove particulates from water samples and soil extracts; an analytical balance, to accurately determine weights of soil and sediment samples after drying and extraction; a spectrometer capable of a visual read at 450 nm in 12 x 75 mm test tubes; equipment to automate sample preparation for large numbers of samples (prefiltration, measurement of uL volumes, plate washing, agitation), so that contact times with reagents are controlled as required; computerized data acquisition and processing. Expendable supplies - approximately $12 per determination. |
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Scope and Application
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Ambient and compliance monitoring. Can be used for Method 4020. Screening for polychlorinated biphenyls by immunoassay (EPA 1995).. |
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Applicable Concentration Range
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1 - 10 ug/g as Aroclor 1254 (EL tube assay); 0.5 - 50 ug/g (EPA 4020) |
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Interferences
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Sensitivity < Aroclor 1254: Aroclor 1242, Aroclor 1248, Aroclor 1260, Aroclor 1262. Sensitivity << Aroclor 1254:: Aroclor 1016; Aroclor 1221; Aroclor 1232; Aroclor 1268 |
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Quality Control Requirements
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Recommended for a kit allowing 40 semiquantitative determinations: a. calibration with 3 standards and 1 blank b. precision: 2 samples analyzed in duplicate (repeats) c. accuracy: 2 matrix samples, spiked with the target analyte at different levels in the range for quantitative analysis. d. validation: analysis of 2 positive and 2 negative samples by an independent method, for confirmation |
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Sample Handling
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Samples are typically collected in glass containers with Teflon-lined caps. Samples are held in a refrigerator at 4 oC. Immunoassay reagents and kits are stored in the dark at 4 to 8 oC until use. Soil and sediment samples need to be dried, weighed, and extracted (methanol; clean water). Soil extracts generally need to be centrifuged or prefiltered to 0.2 um. Quantitative analysis requires dilution of highly concentrated samples, until they are bracketed by standards in the linear response range. Aliquots of sample extracts and reagents are accurately measured (uL) and mixed for required times, following manufacturer's instructions for use of the materials purchased. |
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Maximum Holding Time
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5 days at 4oC until extraction and analysis |
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Relative Cost
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Less than $50 |
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Sample Preparation Methods
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