"This document describes the analytical methods developed and currently used by the Environmental Chemistry Program in the Environmental Conservation Division of the Northwest Fisheries Science Center for the analysis of sediment, tissue, and water samples for part-per-billion concentrations (nanograms per gram or nanograms per milliliter) of selected polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and persistent organic pollutants, plus selected alkanes in water samples as needed. Detailed descriptions are presented for sample extraction, cleanup by silica/alumina columns and by size-exclusion high-performance liquid chromatography, and analysis by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry, as well as the calculation of analyte concentrations and important quality assurance measurements. Detailed descriptions are also given for measuring lipid classes in tissues, determining the percent total extractable content of tissues, and determining the percent dry weight of tissues and sediments. Information pertaining to the necessary laboratory supplies and instruments is provided. The step-wise procedures are presented in a descriptive manner, which facilitates the use of this document by other laboratories"--Executive summary.

National Marine Fisheries Service (NMFS)

United States