Simplifying site assessment of PAH using immunoassay directed field screening
- Strategic Diagnostics Inc., Newark, DE (United States)
Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) are carcinogenic and mutagenic chemicals found in combustion products and industrial waste materials. The carcinogenic nature of PAHs has led state and federal agencies to control their levels in the environment. Until recently, site assessment of PAH levels in soil was limited by the high cost and long turnaround time associated with analysis methods used in commercial analytical laboratories. The recent development of PAH immunoassays provides a rapid and cost effective alternative to the traditional analytical methods. One such immunoassay was developed as a part of the D TECH tm line of environmental detection systems. This competitive immunoassay uses anti-PAH antibodies immobilized on latex particles. Antibody binding to an enzyme labeled PAH analog is inhibited by free PAH extracted from soil samples or contained in water samples. The immunoassay detects the majority of compounds on the EPA list of 16 PAH priority pollutants below the ppm level without cross reacting with BTEX, PCBs and other similar compounds. Field samples of PAH were collected at both petrogenic and pyrolytic sites of contamination and the PAH concentrations were determined by both the immunoassay and the EPA SW-846 GC/MS method 8270. Test results correlated between the two methods and the low number of false negative and false positive results confirmed the assay`s specificity for PAH. The immunoassay provides the advantages of rapid, on site analysis, and minimum sample preparation. Use of the immunoassay results in a significant savings in the cost of analysis because the cost per assay is lower than commercial analysis and only positive samples require additional confirmation by instrumental techniques. The simple format of the immunoassay allows personnel with minimal training to reliably and accurately determine the PAH content of soils.
- OSTI ID:
- 276364
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-950209--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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