Recently there has been more and more interest in emerging contaminants in the water industry. This includes trace level perchlorate (0.05 parts per billion) endocrine disruptors and personal care products (EDCs/PPCPs) at sub-ppb (even parts per trillion) levels, nitrosamines (e.g. NDMA) at part per trillion levels, and 1,4-Dioxane at sub-ppb levels. UCMR1 and UCMR2 monitoring demonstrated the widespread occurrence of both perchlorate and NDMA in drinking water systems. Some of these compounds are considered toxic at these levels (nitrosamines), while others (perchlorate and EDCs/PPCPs) may have ecological impacts or are important to consumers, even when present in small amounts.  UCMR3 includes both perfluorinated compounds with sub part per billion reporting levels and hormones with sub part per trillion reporting levels.  This continued emphasis on lower and lower reporting levels requires laboratories with both sophisticated instrumentation and highly qualified staff.

In 2008, the Associated Press issued press releases documenting the widespread occurrence of PPCPs in the nation’s drinking waters.  Simultaneously, Eaton Analytical developed a sophisticated inline preconcentration method to test more than 90 PPCPs and pesticides and artificial sweeteners in a single analytical method at low part per trillion levels.  This method allows utilities to quickly respond to questions from customers about the occurrence of these emerging contaminants in their source waters and finished products.  The technique is also useful for pilot studies evaluating treatment efficiency for both wastewater plants and drinking water treatment systems.  Eaton Analytical was the first laboratory to demonstrate the utility of sucralose as an indicator for wastewater in receiving waters.

Using equipment like our six LC-MS-MS instruments and multiple GCMS systems, Eaton Analytical has developed ultra-sensitive techniques for all of these types of tests, to help get you the results you need to proactively address concerns or make treatment decisions. Eaton Analytical has consistently been on the leading edge in these fields, presenting papers and developing methods for the analysis of these compounds to help you solve problems. With our state-of-the-art equipment and a talented staff, we help ensure that you get the answers you need.

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