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Applied Speciation and Consulting, LLC premise for risk assessment identifies that marginal data quality and “accepted” methodologies can only provide a rudimentary representation of projected contaminant impacts on flora and fauna. True risk assessment necessitates qualitative and quantitative identification of the specific contaminants of interest accompanied by characterization of the contaminants' environment.

The initial phase of risk assessment should provide an ample representation of the contaminants of interest and site characterization. Routine laboratory methods and practices are typically applied to the initial phase of the project for basic contaminant identification. Future actions and identification of further investigative avenues are directed by the preliminary laboratory results; therefore, confidence in the results is of paramount importance. The investigative team typically pursues the least expensive route for the initial general laboratory services which can result in questionable data and resampling due to the limited confidence in the reported results. Many laboratories offer exceptional analytical services and produce high quality data with only a marginal increase in cost (~30-40%).

In addition, lower detection limits associated with many higher quality laboratories will increase the confidence in the reported result. Sample results must be greater than ten times the detection limit in order to provide confidence in at least two significant figures of the reported results.

Upon completion of the site characterization and the contaminant identification and concentrations, the consultant should be able to identify if further action is necessary. Different trace metal complexes have different adsorption coefficients (they stick to materials with different degrees of force) and reaction constants which dictate their interactions with the substrate and interstitial fluid. Some trace metals species have nutritional benefits (e.g. arsenobetaine) while other species are carcinogenic in nature and significantly increase the mortality rate (arsenite) over time. Trace metals speciation empowers the consultant with identifying if the contaminants are of acute, long-term, or no impact nature.

If you have any questions regarding services or would like a quotation, please feel free to email us at info@appliedspeciation.com or call (206) 219 3779.

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