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Methods
EPA exposure scientists have developed new biological and chemical methods that allow researchers to accurately measure pollutants and environmental stressors in the environment. These peer-reviewed, published methods help scientists ensure their work is precise and capable of being replicated by other researchers.
Methods Resources:
Biological & Microbiological
- Biological Methods and Manual Development
EPA's research in stream and source monitoring indicators includes fish, macroinvertebrates, periphyton, zooplankton, functional ecosystem indicators, water and sediment toxicity, and fish tissue contaminants. EPA exposure scientists regularly prepare and update field and laboratory protocol and methods manuals. They also provide technical assistance to EPA regions, program offices and states on the implementation and interpretation of these manuals. This website lists currently available manuals and protocols. - Microbiological Methods
Online EPA methods related to bacteria, viruses, and protozoans can be accessed at this site which is maintained by EPA microbiologists.
Chemical
- Analytical Methods
This site contains online analytical methods in PDF format for measuring pollutants in drinking water and marine water. - Analytical Methods (1988-95)
This site contains summaries and ordering information for eight analytical chemistry methods manuals published between 1988 and 1995. Many of these methods are mandatory for drinking water utilities under Safe Drinking Water Regulations and are specified in 40 CFR Part 141 by number. - Characterization and Monitoring
EPA exposure scientists develop, evaluate, apply, and validate technologies and approaches for cost-effective monitoring and assessment of surface and subsurface environments. This site includes links to geophysical and remote sensing methods, environmental chemistry methods, and remediation technologies, among others. - Speciation and Detection of Organotins (2003)
This site provides resources relating to a physical and chemical test method for evaluating solid waste that was developed by EPA exposure scientists. The method covers the use of solid-phase extraction discs, solvent extractions (for biological tissues), and micro-liquid chromatography coupled with electrospray ion trap/mass spectrometry for the determination of organotins in waters and biological tissues. The method is used by EPA’s Office of Solid Waste, and is the first EPA-approved method for organotins. For more information contact: Tammy Jones-Lepp,702-798-2144 -
Speciation of Mercury in Soils by Sequential Extraction
(PDF, Poster 48 x 36, 1 pp., 128 KB, About PDF)
EPA exposure scientists developed methods for speciating mercury in mercury-contaminated soil samples. This poster presentation describes the sequential extraction procedure developed to separate mercury compounds into different classes. - Vacuum Distillation
Vacuum distillation is a method that can be used to extract volatile chemicals from most media. This site includes information about two methods for vacuum distillation that are available. These methods have been used to investigate volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The VOCs included some of the most common organic compounds used by industry, including common solvents and components of petroleum.