Testing Method SOP

Introduction  Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for Oil and Grease Analysis in Water and Wastewater based specifically on APHA 5520B (Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater, 23rd Edition). This SOP follows the U.S. EPA's recommended format for SOPs (EPA QA/G-6) to ensure clarity, consistency, and compliance with environmental standards. APHA 5520B uses liquid-liquid extraction (LLE) with n-hexane followed by gravimetric analysis to determine oil and grease concentrations. 1. Purpose This SOP describes the procedures for analyzing oil and grease in water and wastewater samples using liquid-liquid extraction with n-hexane and gravimetric determination, as outlined in APHA 5520B. The method quantifies total oil and grease (n-hexane extractable material) in aqueous samples. 2. Scope and Applicability Scope: This SOP applies to the gravimetric determination of oil and grease in water and wastewater samples (e.g., surface water, industrial effluents, municipal wast...

Understanding EPA SW-846 Method 9034:  Environmental laboratories dealing with solid waste, sediments, and sludges are often required to determine sulfide content for regulatory compliance and risk assessment. One of the most widely referenced procedures in the United States is EPA SW-846 Method 9034 , a titrimetric method designed to measure acid‑soluble and acid‑insoluble sulfides . This article translates the formal method language into a clear, lab‑ready overview , highlighting when to use Method 9034, how it works, and what analysts should watch out for in day‑to‑day practice. What Is SW-846 Method 9034? SW-846 Method 9034 is part of the U.S. EPA’s Test Methods for Evaluating Solid Waste, Physical/Chemical Methods . It is used to quantify sulfides in solid matrices , including: Industrial solid waste Contaminated soils Sediments and sludges The method distinguishes between: Acid‑soluble sulfides (e.g., H₂S, ZnS, FeS) Acid‑insoluble sulfides (e.g., pyrite, FeS₂...

TOC Analysis Using USEPA Method 9060A A Clear, Practical, and Original Guide for Environmental Professionals. Total Organic Carbon (TOC) is one of the most powerful indicators of organic pollution in water and wastewater. Instead of identifying individual organic compounds, TOC measures the total amount of carbon bound in organic matter . Because of this broad scope, TOC analysis is widely used in environmental monitoring, wastewater treatment, and regulatory compliance. What Is Total Organic Carbon (TOC)? Total Organic Carbon represents the concentration of carbon atoms present in organic molecules such as oils, solvents, natural organic matter, and industrial contaminants. TOC does not identify specific chemicals; instead, it provides a summary measurement of organic load. Because many pollutants are carbon-based, TOC is often used as: A screening tool for organic contamination A process control parameter in treatment plants A compliance indicator in environmental regulations Ov...

TCLP Criteria Explained: How Hazardous Waste Is Determined Under RCRA The Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP) is a regulatory test used to determine whether a waste is classified as hazardous due to its potential to leach toxic contaminants into the environment. The TCLP criteria —specifically the regulatory concentration limits established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)—form the basis for this determination under the Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) . Understanding TCLP criteria is essential for waste generators, environmental consultants, and disposal facilities to ensure regulatory compliance and environmental protection. What Are TCLP Criteria? TCLP criteria refer to the maximum allowable concentrations of specific contaminants in the leachate generated during TCLP testing. These limits are established in 40 CFR §261.24, Table 1 and represent thresholds above which a waste is considered hazardous. If the concentration of any on...

Getting Hazardous Waste Sampling Right: How to Collect Truly Representative Samples In hazardous waste management, sampling is where everything starts—and where many compliance problems begin. Even the most sophisticated laboratory analysis can’t fix a poorly collected sample. To meet RCRA requirements and stand up to regulatory review, samples must accurately represent the waste being evaluated. This article explains how to achieve representative hazardous waste samples in real-world conditions , using EPA-aligned practices for common waste containers such as tote tanks, bulk piles, drums, and bags. The goal is practical guidance, not regulatory jargon. What Representative Really Means EPA defines a representative sample as one that reflects the average properties of a waste stream or batch. In practice, this means accounting for: Physical variability (layers, particle size, moisture) Chemical variability (concentration gradients, mixed wastes) Container effects (settling i...

QA and QC Essentials for Laboratory Interviews Preparing for a laboratory interview often means more than just knowing how to run tests—it means understanding quality . Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) are foundational to laboratory science, ensuring that results are accurate, reliable, and defensible. Whether you’re interviewing for a clinical, research, environmental, or industrial lab role, a clear grasp of QA/QC concepts can set you apart. This guide breaks down the most common QA and QC terms, explains how they apply in real lab settings, and shows how to talk about them confidently in interviews. QA vs. QC: The Big Picture Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) are closely related but not interchangeable. Quality Assurance (QA) refers to the system-wide processes that ensure quality. This includes SOPs, training, audits, documentation practices, and compliance with standards like ISO 17025 or GLP. QA is proactive—it focuses on preventing errors...

Waste Profile Sheet Under RCRA: A Practical Guide for Hazardous Waste Management In the United States, proper hazardous waste management begins long before a drum ever leaves a facility. One of the most critical documents in this process is the Waste Profile Sheet —a foundational requirement under the EPA’s Resource Conservation and Recovery Act (RCRA) . This article explains what a Waste Profile Sheet is, why it matters, and how it supports regulatory compliance under 40 CFR Parts 260–279 , with practical insight for generators, environmental managers, and compliance professionals. What Is a Waste Profile Sheet? A Waste Profile Sheet is a detailed document used to characterize a waste stream before it is transported, treated, stored, or disposed of at a permitted Treatment, Storage, and Disposal Facility (TSDF) . It consolidates technical, regulatory, and safety information about the waste so that everyone involved—generators, transporters, and TSDFs—can manage it safely and in...