MDHHS Bureau of Laboratories Develops New Capabilities for Surveillance Testing of Metals in Drinking Water
In response to Michigan Executive Directive 2021-9, which underscores the critical importance of providing safe drinking water to all Michiganders, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Bureau of Laboratories (MDHHS BOL), Chemistry and Toxicology Division, Environmental Inorganic Unit (EIU), has been working diligently to enhance surveillance testing capabilities by validating methods for the analysis of metals in drinking water. Specifically, we are focusing on the quantification of various metals using United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Methods 200.7 and 200.8 (modified) with collision gas technology.
Both EPA methods are designed to analyze drinking water samples for the presence of metals. For EPA Method 200.7, we will be analyzing the presence of sodium and iron using inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). For EPA Method 200.8 (modified), we expand our surveillance capabilities by detecting a broader range of metals such as aluminum, arsenic, silver, barium, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, copper, manganese, nickel, lead, antimony, selenium, thallium, and vanadium using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry with collision gas technology (ICP-MSMS). The modified version of EPA Method 200.8 allows for improved sensitivity and selectivity during the analysis.
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As an overview of the method, water samples are collected by our partners and submitted to MDHHS BOL for analysis. Prior to analysis, all water samples require the measurement of turbidity, which assess the clarity of the water sample. This measurement dictates if the sample can be analyzed directly or requires digestion using a mixture of acids to break down the matrix and release the metals of interest, which are then are quantified using ICP-MS or ICP-OES. |
As part of our commitment to excellence, we are actively preparing for accreditation through the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP). This accreditation will further validate our testing capabilities and ensure compliance with rigorous standards.
Our commitment to water safety drives us to develop cutting-edge capabilities for surveillance testing. Together with the Department of Environmental Health (DEH), we are working to safeguard Michigan’s water resources and protect public health. If you have any questions or need further information, please reach out to:
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