Selected Analytical Methods for Environmental Remediation and Recovery (SAM) provides methods to be used in analyzing environmental samples for chemical contaminants during remediation activities that result from a homeland security event. Methods are provided for each analyte and for each sample type that potentially may need to be measured and analyzed when responding to an environmental contamination incident. Procedures from peer-reviewed journal articles are provided for those analyte-sample type combinations where methods are not available. Once standard procedures are available, the literature references will be replaced.

Please note: SAM provides guidance for selecting chemical methods that have a high likelihood of assuring analytical consistency when laboratories are faced with a large scale environmental restoration crisis. Not all methods have been verified for the analyte/sample type combination listed. Please refer to the specified method to identify analyte/sample type combinations that have been verified. Any questions regarding information for chemical analytes and/or methods should be addressed to the appropriate contact(s) listed on the Technical Contacts page of this Web site. See: SAM Technical Contacts.

To determine the appropriate method that is to be used on an environmental sample, use the Chemical Methods Query page. See: Chemical Methods Query.

SAM contains summary information, extracted from the selected methods. Each method summary contains a table identifying the contaminants in SAM to which the method applies, a brief description of the analytical method, and a link to or source for obtaining a full version of the method. The full version of the method should be consulted prior to sample analysis. See Additional Chemistry Resources for further information on the properties of chemicals listed in SAM.

Methods have been assigned the following tiers to indicate a level of method usability for the specific analytes and sample type [Note: In practice, fitness for intended use is related to site-specific data quality objectives (DQOs) for a particular environmental remediation activity. The assigned tiers reflect the conservative view for DQOs involving timely implementation of methods for analysis of a high number of samples (such that multiple laboratories are necessary), low limits of identification and quantification, and appropriate quality control]:

 

Tier I: Analyte / sample type is a target of the method(s). Data available for all aspects of method performance and quality control measures supporting its use for analysis of environmental samples following a contamination event. Evaluation and/or use of the method(s) in multiple laboratories indicate that the methods(s) can be implemented with no additional modifications for the analyte / sample types.

Tier II: (1) The analyte / sample type is a target of the method(s) and the method(s) has been evaluated for the analyte / sample type by one or more laboratories, or (2) the analyte / sample type is not a target of the method(s), but the method has been ised by laboratories to address the analyte / sample type. In either case, available data and/or information indicate that modifications will likely be needed for use of the method(s) to address the analyte / sample type.

Tier III: The analyte / sample type is not a target of the method(s), and/or no reliable data supporting the method's fitness for intended use are available. Data from other analytes or sample types, however, suggest that the method(s), with significant modification, may be applicable.

Below is a list of all selected chemical methods with a link to their method abstract. Due to the complexity of some tables and graphics, some of our information is not amenable to a screen reader. If you have trouble accessing information contact Kathleen Nickel (nickel.kathy@epa.gov) and accommodations will be made.

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