Ask The Expert: Biological Identification of a Fungus

Ask the Expert Question:
Why is it when one performs sequencing or some other form of biological identification of a fungus, that the fungus identifies as some sort of "teleomorph"? For example, if I'm growing up a yeast that I suspect is Cryptococcus neoformans, and I sequence it to be sure, why is it that the sequence becomes homologous to "Filobasidiella neoformans"? I will then search Filobasidiella neoformans, and all searches will tell me that Filobasidiella IS Cryptococcus! Why are there multiple names for the same thing? Another example: Arthroderma benhamiae and Trichophyton mentagrophytes. Blastomyces dermatitidis and Ajellomyces dermatitidis. It is SO CONFUSING!

TestAmerica Expert: Ariunaa Jalsrai


Expert's Response:
Phylogenetic methods require sufficient quantities of biological materials (spores or fresh specimens) that are from pure (i.e., uncontaminated) fungal cultures, for many asexual species their exact relationship with other fungal species has yet to be determined. Under the current system of fungal nomenclature, teleomorph (the sexual reproductive stage of fungi, typically a fruiting body) names cannot be applied to fungi that lack sexual structures. Classifying and naming asexually reproducing fungi is the subject of ongoing debate in the mycological community. The DNA sequences derived from teleomorphic materials will not always be identical to those sequences derived from anamorphic materials of the same species, due to the recombination of DNA in teleomorphs as one possible reason for DNA sequence divergence. Thus, it is important to first investigate the nucleotide sequence diversity between the DNA derived from teleomorphic and anamorphic materials in order to study the phylogenetic relationships of fungi.

Cryptococcus neoformans, the agent of cryptococcosis, had been considered a homogeneous species until 1949 when the existence of four serotypes was revealed based on the antigenic properties of its polysaccharide capsule. Such heterogeneity of the species, however, remained obscure until the two morphologically distinct teleomorphs of C. neoformans (Filobasidiella neoformans and Filobasidiella bacillispora) were discovered during the mid 1970s. Based on the genetic characteristics and serologic properties of capsular polysaccharides, three varieties and four nonhybrid serotypes have been defined, namely, C. neoformans var. neoformans (serotype D), C. neoformans var. grubii (serotype A), and C. neoformans var. gattii (serotypes B and C). Serotypes correspond to different sexual teleomorphs, namely, Filobasidiella neoformans and Filobasidiella bacillispora for serotypes A and D and serotypes B and C, respectively.

In your case, I think you are dealing with Cryptococcus neoformans hybrid serotype AD, which is teleomorph Filobasidiella neoformans.

View Ariunaa Jalsrai's expert profile

TestAmerica Introduces Analytical Reports in Spanish

TestAmerica is pleased to announce the availability of Spanish language analytical lab reports. Supporting both domestic and international demand for analytical data reports in Spanish, TestAmerica now offers a Spanish version of analytical reports that meets the requirements of regulatory entities throughout the Americas and Caribbean.

With a client base spanning over 100 countries worldwide, TestAmerica Laboratories, The Leader in Environmental Testing, now offers a fully indexed and formatted report that will eliminate the hassles and errors of translated documents and English as a second language interpretations. Clients can request Spanish reports directly from their Project Manager and even access them on TestAmerica's TotalAccess online data access portal. With TotalAccess, the reports are available anywhere in the world via the internet.

"We are delighted to now offer Spanish language reports to our clients, particularly those in Central and South America. This capability reflects our commitment to making our services easier to use and accessible internationally," adds James E. Hyman, President and CEO, TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc.

Additional information on the Spanish reports is available at http://www.testamericainc.com/services/spanish-reports/

About TestAmerica
TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing lab in the United States, with over 90 locations providing innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source, ambient and indoor air, water quality and aquatic toxicity, compliance, desalination, shale gas, specialty organics, emergency response, industrial hygiene, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, PPCPs and emerging contaminants, explosives, Federal/DoD, and radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.

TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients’ environmental testing needs.

New EPA SOP for Analysis of Flue Gas Desulfurization Wastewaters by ICPMS

Current air quality regulations in the United States require SO2 scrubbing for most coal fired plants, which results in the formation of Flue Gas Desulfurization (FGD) wastewaters. These wastewaters often contain significant concentrations of a variety of metals and anions causing interferences with current analytical methods for toxic metals analysis by ICP/MS.

TestAmerica Laboratories, working in conjunction with Agilent Technologies, developed a new SOP for the Analysis of Flue Gas Desulfurization Wastewaters for the US EPA. This presentation will provide an understanding of the analytical challenges to this wastewater matrix and the analytical method developed to overcome the interferences.

Topics the presentation will cover:

• What is Flue Gas Desulfurization?


• Why is it an issue?


• Interferences to existing analytical methods


• New SOP Method highlights


• Data Quality

Who should attend?

• Coal Industry stakeholders


• Consultants


• Engineers


• Regulators

Register for this free Flue Gas Desulfurization webinar

TestAmerica's Ask the Experts Webinar Series is a Winner of the 2011 EBJ Industry Leadership Award!

About TestAmerica
TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, with over 90 locations providing innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source, ambient and indoor air, water quality and aquatic toxicity, compliance, desalination, shale gas, specialty organics, emergency response, industrial hygiene, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, PPCPs and emerging contaminants, explosives, Federal/DoD, and radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.

TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients’ environmental testing needs.

TestAmerica at the 2012 Waste Management Conference

Visit TestAmerica at the Waste Management (WM) 2012 Conference
February 26 - March 1, 2012
Phoenix Convention Center
Phoenix, Arizona
http://www.wmsym.org

Visit Booth # 500 to learn more about TestAmerica's:

• Largest network of radiological and mixed waste testing laboratories. TestAmerica is a DOECAP participant and ICPT contract holder (DOE), ELAP (DoD), and NELAC accredited!


• AIHA certified methods to determine asbestos and metals, including Beryllium in radioactive materials


• TotalAccess 4.0 - the industry's latest real-time online data management tool

Enter our drawing at booth # 500 to win a Kindle e-Reader!

About TestAmerica
TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing lab in the United States, with over 90 locations providing innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source, ambient and indoor air, water quality and aquatic toxicity, compliance, desalination, shale gas, specialty organics, emergency response, industrial hygiene, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, PPCPs and emerging contaminants, explosives, Federal/DoD, and radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.

TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients’ environmental testing needs.

Ask The Expert: Effect of Sewage Water Disposal on Groundwater

Ask the Expert Question:
In studying the effect of sewage water disposal on groundwater by soil infiltration (when sewage water is discharged to soil), what parameters can I use to measure the groundwater contamination by sewage? What are the compounds formed from mixing between native groundwater and sewage?

TestAmerica Expert: Mark Bruce


Expert's Response:
There are a variety of sewage components that could potentially contaminate groundwater. This issue has been studied by those working on the issue of leaking sewage pipes and those addressing sewage overflows in addition the fertilizer issue you have been studying.

An internet search will find discussions about bacterial contamination and the varieties of bacteria that might be relevant. Other sewage components to consider would be organic compounds such as detergents, pesticides, cleaning solvents and pharmaceutical drugs. You should also consider common metals such as copper, tin and zinc. Other toxic metals should also be considered based on what is present in the sewage as determined by the industries that contribute to the sewage system.

Here are few websites that have information on this topic. A more comprehensive search will turn up even more details.

Virginia Tech (Department of Agronomy): Agricultural Use of Sewage Sludge: A Literature Review

University of Arizona: Pharmaceuticals In Our Water Supplies

Google ebooks: Potential Groundwater Contamination from Intentional and Nonintentional Stormwater Infiltration

ScienceDirect: Identification of persistent anionic surfactant-derived chemicals in sewage effluent and groundwater

British Columbia's Ministry of Environment (Water Stewardship Division): Sodium in Groundwater

View Mark Bruce's expert profile

TestAmerica at the 2012 Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) Annual Meeting

Visit TestAmerica at the
2012 Society for Mining, Metallurgy and Exploration (SME) Annual Meeting: "Mine to Market: Now It's Global"

February 19–22, 2012
Washington State Convention and Trade Center
800 Convention Place
Seattle, WA 98101
www.smenet.org

TestAmerica currently has over 90 locations nationwide to support our clients, including facilities to support mining operations and environmental projects throughout the U.S. and British Columbia, Canada. TestAmerica also provides logistical support for contractor field teams, when arrangements are made prior to sampling.

Visit TestAmerica at Booth # 231 to learn more about:

• ISO 17025 Accreditation


• Fully certified in Canada and all States where certification is available, including AK, AZ, CA, NM, NV, UT and WA, as well as regional specialty requirements


• Extensive testing experience and logistical services supporting mining operations and environmental program


• Large network capacity for conventionals, organics, metals, and radiochemical analyses of groundwater, sediments, tissues


• Specialized and conventional analytical techniques for the Pacific Northwest Region including low level metals analysis for limited tissue availability


• TotalAccess 4.0 – the environmental industry's latest real-time online data management tool

To learn more about TestAmerica's technical expertise and capabilities in mining and exploration, contact your Account Executive today!

About TestAmerica
TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, with over 90 locations providing innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source, ambient and indoor air, water quality and aquatic toxicity, compliance, desalination, shale gas, specialty organics, emergency response, industrial hygiene, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, PPCPs and emerging contaminants, explosives, Federal/DoD, and radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.

TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients’ environmental testing needs.

Ask The Expert: Analyzing Water Samples for Radium/Radon

Ask the Expert Question:
How long does it take to analyze Radium-226, Radium-228, and Gross Alpha for a water sample? Is there some dependency on the sample?

We have been experiencing high turnaround times for these tests in other labs and a search online indicates that the tests can take anywhere from 5 days to 8 weeks, which seems very broad for a specific test.

TestAmerica Expert: Terry Romanko


Expert's Response:
Let me first say that 8 weeks is rather long for a turnaround time (TAT) for these methods. A standard TAT would probably be more in the 4-week time period. 5-business days (7 calendar days) is possible for some (see below), but definitely expect surcharges for Rush services.

Radium-226 in groundwater samples can be analyzed by a couple of different methods. The two main methods are based upon EPA 903.0 and EPA 903.1. Both methods require some amount of waiting time in order to provide actual Ra-226 results.

A summary from method 903.0 (Alpha-Emitting Radium Isotopes in Drinking Water):

The radium in the drinking water sample is collected by coprecipitation with barium and lead sulfate, and purified by reprecipitation from EDTA solution. Citric acid is added to the drinking water sample to assure that complete interchange occurs before the first precipitation step. The final BaSO4 precipitate which includes radium-226, radium-224 and radium-223 is alpha counted to determine the total disintegration rate of the radium isotopes.

A summary from method 903.1 (Radon Emanation Technique):

The radium-226 in the drinking water sample is concentrated and separated by coprecipitation on barium sulfate. The precipitate is dissolved in EDTA reagent, placed in a sealed bubbler and stored for ingrowth of radon-222. After ingrowth, the gas is purged into a scintillation cell. When the short-lived radon-222 daughters are in equilibrium with the parent (4h), the scintillation cell is counted for alpha activity.

As you may notice, both methods utilize the barium sulfate co-precipitation. 903.1 speaks of "ingrowth" – this is the process of the parent (Ra-226) decaying to the shorter-lived daughters (Rn-222, etc) where the daughters increase in activity until eventually they reach equilibrium with the parent. The method in step 8.6 calls for 4-8 days of ingrowth – the more ingrowth, the lower the detection limit you can hit for a given sample. This method is somewhat glassware intensive (need specialty glassware), and this can cause a "pinch-point" for analyses, possibly causing longer TAT. However, a 14-day TAT is possible (expect surcharges for Rush services), but a 28-day TAT would be more standard. Longer TAT would be due to lack of capacity (either due to lack of glassware or measurement instrumentation, or due to a spike in sample load).

TestAmerica's Richland, WA laboratory can supply the 903.1 analysis.

903.0 was written as a screening technique for alpha-emitting radium. It could be considered as written as a potential high-biased Ra-226 result. If the Total Alpha-emitting radium result is less than the action level, you know the Ra-226 result has to be. The advantage to this is that no waiting time is needed, thus a 7-day TAT is possible (again, expect surcharges for RUSH). 14-21 days would be more standard for this method.

TestAmerica's St. Louis laboratory utilized a modification to this method to report Ra-226. The method mentions Ra-226, Ra-224, and Ra-223 as alpha-emitting radium isotopes. Ra-223 (a daughter of Th-227) is not normally present, as the parent decay chain is not considered "naturally-occurring." It is possible it might be found at isolated sites (mainly DOE sites). Ra-224 is a short-lived daughter in the Th-232 decay chain. As it is short-lived, after the initial radium separation/co-precipitation, the lab waits for decay of the Ra-224. Waiting 14 days allows for 93% of any Ra-224 present to decay out; 21 days allows for 98% to decay out. The laboratory thus can report Ra-226 using 903.0, with a decay/waiting period of 14 or 21 days (depending upon client need/confidence). An intercomparison of the 903.1 vs 903.0 results was performed between the St. Louis and Richland laboratories with showing comparable results. 21-28 days (depending upon decay period) is typical TAT provided by the St. Louis lab.

Gross alpha is a quick screening test. A 7 day TAT or shorter is possible, but not standard.

Radium-228 has a short ingrowth period built into the method, but a 7-day TAT is possible (but not standard). In St. Louis, these are typically "piggy-backed" with the Ra-226 analysis, so expect a similar TAT.

View Terry Romanko's expert profile

TestAmerica Receives 2011 Environmental Business Journal Business Achievement Award for Industry Leadership

Environmental Business Journal® (EBJ), a business research publication, which provides high value strategic business intelligence to the environmental industry*, has honored 50 companies for revenue growth, acquisitions, innovative project designs, technology applications, new practice areas, social contributions and industry leadership in 2011.

TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc. is pleased to announce that it was chosen to receive the EBJ award for Industry Leadership.

"In what is widely regarded as a stable market, a number of companies exceeded the norms of low single-digit growth with double-digit growth or ambitious ventures into new practice areas or technology development," said Grant Ferrier, president of Environmental Business International Inc. (EBI, San Diego), publisher of Environmental Business Journal.

TestAmerica was recognized for the Ask the Expert Webinar Series, which is designed to provide a forum to share technical expertise with the environmental community and to enhance the knowledge and awareness of the participants in understanding these complex laboratory issues. Additional information on this award can be found on the Environmental Business Journal website.

The 2011 EBJ awards will be presented at a special ceremony at the Environmental Industry Summit X in Coronado, Calif. on March 14-16, 2012. The Environmental Industry Summit is an annual three-day event hosted by EBI Inc.

* Environmental Business Journal provides strategic information and market forecasts for executives involved in 14 business segments, including environmental remediation, water & wastewater, air pollution control, environmental consulting & engineering, hazardous waste, instrumentation, pollution control equipment, waste management, resource recovery, and solid waste management.

About TestAmerica
TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, with over 90 locations providing innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source, ambient and indoor air, water quality and aquatic toxicity, compliance, desalination, shale gas, specialty organics, emergency response, industrial hygiene, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, PPCPs and emerging contaminants, explosives, Federal/DoD, and radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.

TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients’ environmental testing needs.

About the EBJ Business Achievement Awards
In October-December 2011, Climate Change Business Journal solicited nominations for the EBJ Business Achievement Awards. Nominations were accepted in 200-word essays in either specific or unspecified categories. Final awards were determined by a committee of EBJ staff and EBJ editorial advisory board members. (Disclaimer: company audits were not conducted to verify information or claims submitted with nominations.)

About EBI
Founded in 1988, Environmental Business International Inc. (EBI, San Diego, Calif.) is a research, publishing and consulting company that specializes in defining emerging markets and generating strategic market intelligence for companies, investors and policymakers. EBI publishes Environmental Business Journal®, the leading provider of strategic information for the environmental industry, and Climate Change Business Journal®, which covers nine segments of the Climate Change Industry. EBI also performs contract research for the government and private sector and founded the Environmental Industry Summit, an annual three-day event for executives in the environmental industry.

Ask The Expert: Evaluating Airborne Thermal Decomposition

Ask the Expert Question:
We are looking at torch-cutting steel cable wrapped in plastic and want to do air monitoring. What is the best way to test? And what kind of test we should do?

TestAmerica Expert: Michael McGee


Expert's Response:
From your inquiry, it appears that you would be interested in evaluating the airborne thermal decomposition products of plastic coating on metal cable and perhaps airborne metals concentrations.

Evaluation of the metals air concentrations would be the most straightforward. The process involves determining the metals composition of the metal portion of the cable and collecting air samples for those metals utilizing NIOSH Method 7300, a capability that TestAmerica offers to analyze air samples.

The measurement of thermal decomposition products from burning plastic is much more challenging. The main issue is that the thermal decomposition products produced depend on quite a number of variables, including the type of plastic and the temperature of the melting or burning plastic. Potentially, a long list of contaminants could be generated, including carbon monoxide, vinyl chloride, hydrogen chloride, a variety of hydrocarbons, particulates and other chemical constituents. The chemical composition of smoke from burning plastic would be expected to vary considerably with the temperature of the plastic, and the temperature of the plastic would vary a great deal over time. For an overview of this issue relating to PVC coatings or material, read NIST's "Toxicity of the Pyrolysis and Combustion Products of Poly (Vinyl Chlorides)."

TestAmerica can analyze air samples for most of the constituents associated with thermal decomposition of plastic material. The challenge is identifying the constituents to measure. For an overview of exposure assessment planning, view Testamerica's webinar presentation on Exposure Assessment Planning.

If the smoke coming off burning plastic is the main concern, then it might be best to avoid burning the plastic by physically cutting away the plastic material from the areas on the cable where the torch will be used to cut the cable. Short of that, it may be possible to utilize local exhaust ventilation to draw away the plastic thermal decomposition products away from the worker utilizing the torch.

View Michael McGee's expert profile

TestAmerica Introduces TotalAccess 4.0 with Enhanced Reporting and Search Capabilities Built for Speed

TestAmerica announces the launch of TotalAccess 4.0, the most powerful online data management solution in the industry. With enhancement to reporting and search capabilities, and a new architecture design to provide faster data access, TotalAccess 4.0 is an essential tool for all analytical data projects.

TotalAccess 4.0 delivers key improvements to its end-users, surpassing performance requirements and leading-edge technology in the market. The developments in this release include: a dashboard homepage offering access to all documents from one location, enhanced reporting and filtering tools, enabling one click filtering and multi-project consolidated reporting.

Additional enhancements include:

• Quicklinks auto-fill search lookups make locating data records a snap,
• Multi-project reporting capabilities available with the trending tools, and
• Expanded regulatory limits comparison function to enable easy clone and customization of individual lists to fit the user’s project.

The TotalAccess tool is available to all TestAmerica clients, providing them with secure, 24/7 access to all of their project-related data information. Clients may request a live demonstration by contacting an Account Executive or Project Manager, or can sign up for TotalAccess online.

About TestAmerica
TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, with over 90 locations providing innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source, ambient and indoor air, water quality and aquatic toxicity, compliance, desalination, shale gas, specialty organics, emergency response, industrial hygiene, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, PPCPs and emerging contaminants, explosives, Federal/DoD, and radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.

TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients’ environmental testing needs.

Ask The Expert: Heterotrophic Plate Count Analysis

Ask the Expert Question:
What is the purpose of the Heterotrophic Plate Count (HPC) analysis and is it a replacement for Total Coliform analysis? What are the action limits for the HPC analysis?

TestAmerica Expert: Alex Spears


Expert's Response:
The purpose of the HPC (heterotrophic plate count) test is to determine the total heterotrophic (environmental) bacteria load present in the water sample, and is not used in lieu of the total coliform test, as the total (and fecal) coliform tests are used in determining the possible presence of pathogens in the water. The EPA action limit for potable (drinking) water is 500 cfu/mL. More information about the EPA guidelines and action limits can be found at http://water.epa.gov/drink/contaminants/index.cfm#3.

View Alex Spears's expert profile

TestAmerica Indianapolis is the Latest Addition to Midwest Facilities

TestAmerica Laboratories, Inc. announces the opening of a new location, TestAmerica Indianapolis, which will facilitate organizing on-time sample delivery and local access to TestAmerica’s regional laboratories in Valparaiso, IN, Chicago, IL, Dayton, OH, as well as its nationwide network of laboratories for specialty analyses including air, dioxins, sediments and a vast array of analytical capabilities.

TestAmerica Indianapolis offers clients support for sample bottle pick-up and delivery in the Metro Indianapolis area. The staff will coordinate the shipping of samples within TestAmerica’s network of specialty laboratories to meet any client’s analytical needs.

Ms. Melissa Hamer-Bailey has assumed the role as the TestAmerica Indianapolis Manager. Ms. Hamer-Bailey has extensive experience in the environmental testing industry, serving as a professional environmental consultant, Board Member to the Indiana Alliance of Hazardous Materials Professionals, and Senior Environmental Manager at the Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM), in her previous roles. Ms. Hamer-Bailey has developed applied expertise in the areas of quality assurance, sampling and analysis plan development, risk assessment and management.

“TestAmerica is excited to expand our service and support to the Indianapolis area to provide both new and existing clients more convenient access to our network of analytical offerings. We are also pleased to have Ms. Hamer-Bailey join our team. She brings to TestAmerica her expertise in both the regulatory and consulting aspects of our industry to assist our clients in their project needs,” states TestAmerica’s General Manager of Midwest Operations, Rusty Vicinie.

For additional information on the services available, please contact TestAmerica Indianapolis at (317) 264-9686.

About TestAmerica
TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm in the United States, with over 90 locations providing innovative technical expertise and comprehensive analytical testing services. Specialty analyses include source, ambient and indoor air, water quality and aquatic toxicity, compliance, desalination, shale gas, specialty organics, emergency response, industrial hygiene, dioxins, drinking water, sediments and tissues, PPCPs and emerging contaminants, explosives, Federal/DoD, and radiochemistry and mixed waste testing.

TestAmerica affiliate companies include EMLab P&K, the leader in analytical microscopy and indoor air quality; QED Environmental Systems, Inc., the leading supplier of groundwater sampling equipment and remediation pumping systems; and TestAmerica Air Emissions Corp. (METCO Environmental), specializing in air emissions testing. TestAmerica currently employs nearly 2,800 professionals dedicated to exceptional service and solutions for our clients’ environmental testing needs.

Visit TestAmerica at the NEBC's 15th Annual Business & the Environment Conference

November 8-9, 2011
Portland, Oregon
www.businessandenvironment.org

TestAmerica is the leading environmental testing firm, providing comprehensive analytical testing, including analyses for sediments, drinking water, PCB, and dioxin/furan. TestAmerica companies provide services in indoor air, air emissions, and remediation products.

Stop by Booth # 45 to learn more about:

TestAmerica's DoD ELAP Accreditation

Northwest and Alaska TPH methods (VPH and EPH)

Sediment testing and supported programs

Specialty analytical techniques for the Pacific Northwest Region

Call for more information on TestAmerica's technical expertise and capabilities:
Portland Laboratory
(503) 906-9200

Seattle Laboratory
(253) 922-2310

Spokane Laboratory
(509) 924-9200

Ask The Expert: Indoor Mold Issues

Ask the Expert Question (1 of 3):
Does a wall area of 2'x2' of Stachybotrys or Aspergillus need to be contained?

TestAmerica Expert: Ariunaa Jalsrai


Expert's Response:
Indoor growth of Aspergillus, Stachybotrys, and other indicator fungi of water damaged environments warrants a risk assessment, which usually requires future investigation. Mold exposure does not always present a health problem indoors. However, some people are sensitive to molds. These people may experience symptoms such as nasal congestion, eye irritation, wheezing, or skin irritation when exposed to molds. Severe reactions may include fever and shortness of breath. Immunocompromised persons and persons with chronic lung diseases are at increased risk for opportunistic infections and may develop fungal infections in their lungs.

I am not an industrial hygienist; however, I would recommend removing the mold growth from the wall.

Question # 2 of 3:
The indoor air has 5 times more mold (Aspergillus) than the outdoors. Is this normal or anything to worry about?

Expert's Response:

Molds are very common in buildings and homes and will grow anywhere indoors where there is moisture. The most common indoor molds are Cladosporium, Penicillium and Aspergillus. In the indoor environment, Aspergillus can be found in household dust, building materials, ornamental plants, flower arrangements, tobacco, food and water. Some Aspergillus species can cause adverse health effects.

Approximately 20 species of Aspergillus have been reported as causative agents of opportunistic infections in humans. Aspergillus fumigatus is the most important opportunist and is commonly encountered in hospitals as well as other environments. Other species, such as A. flavus, A. terreus, A. niger, and A. nidulans, can also cause human infections. I would recommend performing speciation of Aspergillus.

Question # 3 of 3:
Should we mix the bleach a little stronger, say 1 part bleach to 5 parts of water or would the standard of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water be OK?

Expert's Response:
I am not a professional hygienist, so I could not answer this question, but The CDC provides excellent on-line resources: http://www.cdc.gov/mold/stachy.htm.

For example, mold growth can be removed from hard surfaces with commercial products, soap and water, or a bleach solution of no more than 1 cup of bleach in 1 gallon of water.

View Dr. Ariunaa Jalsrai's expert profile

Thermite Reaction from a Plane Crash

Ask the Expert Question:
Could the friction from a plane crash generate enough energy to start a thermite reaction?

TestAmerica Expert: Larry Penfold


Expert's Response:
Thermite reactions are chemical reactions between a zero valence metal and a metal oxide. The one I remember from my school days involved iron oxide (rust) and powdered aluminum, which requires an ignition source with a temperature of something like 2,500 to 3,000 degrees Centigrade. The reaction generates a lot of heat quickly and, unlike a paper fire, doesn’t need any air to keep it going. The oxygen that sustains the burning is coming from the iron oxide. It’s a chemistry experiment that requires extra fire precautions - I can remember a demonstration given by one of my university chemistry professors that was much more exciting than he expected.

In regards to a plane crash, the total energy of an airplane crash is certainly more than enough to start a thermite reaction. A little Fourth of July sparkler is enough if all of the ingredients are carefully prepared in the right proportions, and it is the question about the right proportions that is the key to the answer to your question.

I would guess that the aluminum skin in the nose of the crashing airplane could simply melt and burn in the atmosphere without any metal oxide being present. In other words, a spray of high temperature aluminum combining rapidly with the oxygen in the air is a likely reaction. Spontaneous combustion of materials in air is sometimes called a pyrophoric reaction, not quite the same as a thermite reaction. If there were some iron rust present where the aluminum from the nose of the plane is burning, then it could add its oxygen to the burning and there would be a little bit of a thermite reaction going on. But unless there almost as much rust as aluminum, I wouldn’t think that would be the main effect because the ratio of the ingredients, the stoichiometry, is not right.

View Larry Penfold's expert profile

EPA Releases Final Health Assessment for TCE

WASHINGTON – The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) today released the final health assessment for trichloroethylene (TCE) to the Integrated Risk Information System (IRIS) database.  IRIS is a human health assessment program that evaluates the latest science on chemicals in our environment. The final assessment characterizes the chemical as carcinogenic to humans and as a human noncancer health hazard. This assessment will also allow for a better understanding of the risks posed to communities from exposure to TCE in soil, water and air. It will provide federal, state, local and other policy makers with the latest scientific information to make decisions about cleanup and other actions to protect people's health. 

"This assessment is an important first step, providing valuable information to the state, local and federal agencies responsible for protecting the health of the American people," said Paul Anastas, assistant administrator for the EPA's Office of Research and Development. "It underscores the importance of EPA's science and, in particular, the critical value of the IRIS database for ensuring that government officials and the American people have the information they need to protect their health and the health of their children."

TCE is one of the most common man-made chemicals found in the environment. It is a volatile chemical and a widely used chlorinated solvent. Frequently found at Superfund sites across the country, TCE’s movement from contaminated ground water and soil, into the indoor air of overlying buildings, is of serious concern. EPA already has drinking water standards for TCE and standards for cleaning up TCE at Superfund sites throughout the country.

TCE toxicity values as reported in the assessment will be considered in:

·         Establishing cleanup methods at the 761 Superfund sites where TCE has been identified as a contaminant

·         Understanding the risk from vapor intrusion as TCE vapors move from contaminated groundwater and soil into the indoor air of overlying buildings

·         Revising EPA’s Maximum Contaminant Level for TCE as part of the carcinogenic volatile organic compounds group in drinking water, as described in the agency’s drinking water strategy

·         Developing appropriate regulatory standards limiting the atmospheric emissions of TCE – a hazardous air pollutant under the Clean Air Act

This assessment has undergone several levels of peer review including, agency review, interagency review, public comment, external peer review by EPA’s Science Advisory Board in January 2011, and a scientific consultation review in 2006 by the National Academy of Sciences. Comments from all reviewers are addressed in the final assessment.

EPA continues to strengthen IRIS as part of an ongoing effort to ensure concrete research and science are used to protect human health and the environment. In May 2009, EPA restructured the IRIS program to reinforce independent review and ensure the timely publication of assessments. In July 2011, EPA announced further changes to strengthen the IRIS program in response to recommendations from the National Academy of Sciences. EPA’s peer review process is designed to elicit the strongest possible critique to ensure that each final IRIS assessment reflects sound, rigorous science.

More information on IRIS: http://www.epa.gov/IRIS

Exposure Assessment Planning

Ask the Expert Webinar Series
September 15, 2011
1:30 P.M. EST

Exposure assessments are conducted for a variety of reasons. The design of the strategy should be consistent with the underlying purpose of the assessment and how the resulting data will be used. Collecting samples without fully understanding how the results will be utilized and communicated can result in obtaining information that maybe misinterpreted or misleading. Prior to collecting field samples, it is necessary to clearly understand the purpose and objectives of sampling projects.

The purpose of the data collection, in conjunction with the availability and cost of field and laboratory analytic techniques, as well as the time sensitivity of the results, will determine the overall sampling strategy. This presentation provides a basic overview of the planning elements that are important to conducting a productive, cost effective and successful exposure assessment.

Register Now for the presentation



Visit TestAmerica at the 2011 SAME Missouri River/ TEXOMA Regional Conference

August 23-25, 2011

Downtown Marriott

Kansas City, MO

TestAmerica has more than 20 years of technical and industry experience with the analysis of trace explosives and compounds unique to the military, supporting hundreds of special projects under various programs domestically and internationally.

TestAmerica provides analytical testing to assist with clean-up activities for a variety of clients, regulatory officials, and stakeholders from every segment of the Department of Defense, and is the nation’s:

• Only network with 13 DoD QSM Compliant laboratories
• First laboratory to receive USACE approval for Method 8330B in support of MRP
• First laboratory to be DoD ELAP accredited
• Leader in developing applications of Incremental Sampling Methodology (ISM) to an expanding range of chemicals of interest to the DoD.

Stop by Booth # 105 to learn more about TestAmerica’s:

• DoD ELAP accredited laboratories
• ISM expertise and capabilities - 8330B and beyond
• Methods for conventional explosives and the new insensitive munitions constituents

Sign up now for our free webinar on Insensitive Munitions Constituents on Thursday, August 25th at 1:30 P.M. EST.

Pharmaceutical and Personal Care Products Challenges in Non-Conventional Matrices

Ask the Expert Webinar Series
August 18, 2011
1:30 P.M. EST


Pharmaceuticals and personal care products (PPCPs) represent a large subset of contaminants of emerging concern labeled as endocrine disruptors. The endocrine system is a balanced network of glands and hormones that regulates developmental activities such as growth, behavior, metabolism, intelligence, sexual development, and the ability to reproduce as well as many other functions. To date, many studies have characterized the PPCP contamination in rivers and lakes across the country, and as the effects of these contaminates are unfolding, researchers are looking beyond water ways for these chemicals.

TestAmerica continues to partner with public and private researchers looking for PPCPs as they pass from non-point sources into sensitive ecosystems. Our method development has expanded our PPCP testing capabilities into sediment and tissue samples to find these contaminants where endocrine disruption is occurring. Making the leap from testing water to more complex matrices requires solutions for increased matrix related interferences and extraction enhancements that effectively remove the target compounds from the sample. Our success with complex matrices is helping answer difficult questions where PPCP contamination may be lurking.

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NORM Issues in Oil and Gas Exploration

Ask the Experts Webinar Series
August 4th, 2011
1:30pm EST

With radiation in space and beneath the surface of the earth, we live our lives in peace and harmony with our environment while surrounded by radiation. However, what risks do we take when we drill into the earth's surface for precious natural resources such as shale oil and gas?

Naturally Occurring Radioactive Material (NORM) as well as a variety of radioactive elements are present within the earth's crust at a relatively shallow depth. When drilling and mining exploration activities take place, these radioactive elements enter our waste streams and present challenges for the operators and regulators alike.

Register Now for the presentation