FAQs
What is an MRL? What is an MDL?
If you ever receive a report from us you will notice the acronym MRL. The method reporting limit (MRL) is an empirically verified level, and anything greater than or equal to that level can also be empirically quantitated; i.e., it can be known. The MRL is typically the lowest level at which an analyte can be quantitated with great accuracy. Braun Intertec can give results below this level, but they are qualified and are considered estimates at best.
The method detection limit (MDL) as defined by the EPA is as follows:
The method detection limit is defined as the minimum concentration of a substance that can be measured and reported with 99% confidence that the analyte concentration is greater than zero and is determined from an analysis of a sample in a given matrix containing the analyte. (40 CFR Appendix B to Part 136-Definition and Procedure for the Determination of the MDL-Revision 1.1).
The MDL is the level at which one can say that the analyte of interest exists in the sample. A sample quantitated at the MDL is not necessarily accurate. It only means that there is a 99% chance that the sample contains the analyte of interest.
Why are my MRLs different for each sample if the samples were not diluted?
The method reporting limits (MRLs) are adjusted to account for certain variables. The laboratory has determined default reporting limits based on assumptions of an expected sample size and final extract volume. For example, a 1000 mL water sample that is usually extracted and concentrated to a 1.0 mL extract volume will have a lower MRL than a sample containing only 750 mL being concentrated to a 1.0 mL extract volume. Generally, the smaller the sample, the higher the MRL. In addition, if the sample is highly contaminated, it may not be possible to concentrate the extract to the usual 1.0 mL extract volume. This will also result in a higher MRL for the sample.
The same holds true for soil samples. In addition, soil sample results are usually dry-weight corrected to account for the sample's water content. The larger the water content, the smaller the actual soil amount in the sample. This results in a higher MRL for the soil sample.
How do I get sample containers?
To receive sample containers, please contact your project manager or call our sample control phone number at 952.995.2600.
I need to analyze my sample for TCLP metals. How much sample do I collect?
Generally for TCLP metals on a solid matrix sample, a 500 mL glass unpreserved container will work just fine. Anything greater than 200 g is preferred. If your sample is a multi-phase sample (part liquid and part solid), a 1000 mL glass unpreserved container should suffice.
What types of materials may contain asbestos?
Many building and finishing materials have incorporated asbestos into the product. There is a higher chance that materials manufactured before 1980 contain asbestos, but there was a phase out period after 1980 when asbestos was allowed in the manufacture of certain materials. Even today some asbestos is used in limited industrial applications.
Some examples of materials we routinely observe that contain asbestos are:
- Floor tiles
- Linoleum (backing)
- Adhesives and mastics
- Ceiling tiles
- Joint compound
- Ceiling texture
- Pipe and boiler insulation
- Gaskets
- Tar roofing material
- Transite siding
- Vermiculite insulation
- Caulking
How do I submit an asbestos sample? How much material do you need?
We don't require a large piece of material for sampling. For instance, if submitting a floor tile sample, we only need about a one-inch square piece of the flooring. When submitting a sample to us, be sure to include the adhesive or mastic on the back of the sample since it may also contain asbestos. Place the sample in a sealed container; a resealable plastic bag such as Ziploc or Whirlpak works just fine. Label the bag with a short description. Fill out a chain of custody form and include it along with the sample. Samples may be dropped off at the Braun Intertec Bloomington location or mailed as long as it is in a sealed container.
I am selling my property and need a basic water test, how do I proceed?
There really is no basic water test. For public water supplies, the EPA has established Primary and Secondary Drinking Water Regulations for over 100 parameters. Your title company, real estate agent and/or HUD should have some requirement for testing prior to the sale of your property. Many times the parameter of interest will be determined by the age of the property.
Some examples:
Does it have lead pipes? Lead may then be a parameter of interest.
Is the property near an abandoned landfill where solvents may be leaking into the water table? Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs) may then be of interest.
Does the property have a well? The EPA recommends that every other year a well be tested for Total Coliform bacteria and Nitrate.
In the end, all situations are unique. Your project manager can help guide you to the proper tests based on the needs of the individual property owner.
What is RoHS testing?
Restriction of Certain Hazardous Substances (RoHS) is a regulation created by the European Union (EU). It concerns the amount of certain materials in most electrical and electronic products that are sold in the EU. Other countries have similar standards and even some states are adopting something similar to RoHS. Substances mentioned in the RoHS regulation and their upper limits are:
| | - B. Maximum Allowable Concentration
|
| Cadmium | 0.01 % by weight (100 ppm) |
| Lead | 0.1 % by weight (1000 ppm) |
| Mercury | 0.1 % by weight (1000 ppm) |
| Hexavalent Chromium (Cr6+) | 0.1 % by weight (1000 ppm) |
| Polybrominated Biphenyls (PBBs) | 0.1 % by weight (1000 ppm) |
| Polybrominated Diphenyl Ethers (PBDEs) | 0.1 % by weight (1000 ppm) |
What are Priority Pollutants?
Priority pollutants (PP) are 126 substances named by the EPA as a part of the Clean Water Act. While the EPA has established acceptable limits for the substances, typically individual states actually regulate and define their own acceptance levels. Braun Intertec has the ability to analyze for the majority of PP.
How are sediments classified?
Sediments can be classified as level 1, 2 or 3. Level 1 is suitable for use or reuse on residential or recreational property. Level 2 is suitable for use or reuse on industrial properties. Level 3 is considered to be significantly contaminated and must be managed appropriately. There are also standards that apply to the handling and transportation of the dredged material as well as runoff and erosion control at the site. Determining the level of contamination of the dredged material requires a variety of chemical and physical tests that we perform at our Analytical Laboratory.