Effective and accurate methods of analysis are needed to analyze potentially contaminated samples. However, there’s often more than one analytical method available for many high-priority agents. Recommended sample processing and analytical methods for contaminant-media (e.g. water, soil) pairs are listed in the Environmental Sampling and Analytical Methods (ESAM) repository on the Selected Analytical Methods for Environmental Remediation and Recovery page. Having a pre-selected method for each contaminant/media pair ensures a consistent analytical approach when multiple laboratories are employed to analyze samples and that the generated data are comparable.

Sample processing is an essential part of accurate sample analysis. Sample processing includes recovery of target contaminant from the sample, cleanup to remove potential interferents (e.g. debris, non-target contaminants), and concentration of the target contaminant.  All these steps allow for accurate, highly sensitive, and reliable testing/analysis results.

Online access to ESAM provides rapid access to analysis protocols and tools in order to support of EPA’s Environmental Response Laboratory Network (ERLN), which includes EPA’s Water Laboratory Alliance (WLA) member laboratories, the EPA Regional Laboratories, and state and local laboratories during a response to a small or a wide-area hazard incident involving contamination.

Related Resources

• Environmental Sampling and Analytical Methods Repository (ESAM)  
• ESAM Collaborative Analytical Methods and Protocols
• Environmental Response Laboratory Network (ERLN)
• Water Laboratory Alliance (WLA)

Research Publications

• Evaluation of Analytical Methods for the Detection of Bacillus anthracis Spores: Compatibility with Real-World Samples Collected from Outdoor and Subway Surfaces
• Sample Processing Method for Ricin Analysis
• Shipment, Preservation, and Analysis of Chemical Warfare Agents (CWAs) in Environmental Matrices
• Literature Search and Review for Sampling, Analysis, and Decontamination of Biological Warfare Agent-Contaminated Maritime Vessels
• Sampling, Laboratory and Data Considerations for Microbial Data Collected in the Field
• Sample Processing and Analysis publications in Science Inventory