Trace Organic Lab

Triazine
This triazine test is to be considered as a low cost screening tool and not an absolute determination of the safety of drinking water.

Triazines are a class of pesticides which includes the herbicide atrazine. Other triazine are: simazine, propazine, cyanazine.  Atrazine is the most widely used (and detected) herbicide in Wisconsin. We recommend this test as a low cost alternative to the Nitrogen and Phosphorus (N/P) containing pesticide analysis. This triazine test not only detects atrazine, but several other triazine herbicides.  If your results come back as less than 0.05 ppb, your water can be likely considered safe for atrazine, propazine ametryn prometryn, terbutryn, simazine and cyanazine.  

The State of Wisconsin has determined there is a risk to drinking water contaminated with atrazine plus three of its chlorinated metabolites (breakdown products).  The State has a drinking water standard of 3.0 ppb for total chlorinated atrazine residues.  The triazine test is not effective at detecting all atrazine residues, however, we have established that if your sample is greater than 1.0 ppb triazine, there is a 1 in 3 chance your water supply exceeds the total atrazine standard  of 3.0 ppb.  We then recommend proceeding to the N/P analysis.

Chloroacetanilide Herbicide Metabolites 
USGS OFR 00-182

Alachlor ESA Alachlor OA Acetochlor ESA

Acetochlor OA Metolachlor ESA Metolachlor OA

These chemicals are from herbicides (alachlor, acetochlor, and metolachlor) that have replaced atrazine.  While these parent herbicides normally degrade in the top soil, they form ethane sulfonic acid (ESA) and oxanillic acid (OA) degradates which can penetrate to groundwater.  They have been found in groundwater in many of the agricultural areas of the state of Wisconsin.

At this time, there is little known regarding the health implications of drinking water contaminated with these chemicals.  The only DNR regulatory standard that exists is for Alachlor ESA.  It is an "interim" standard of 20 ppb.

Nitrogen and Phosphorus (N/P) containing pesticides 
Modified  Method 8270 (includes triazine)

This test is for those who have a reason to suspect contamination (other than atrazine). High nitrates from an agricultural source is a good start. We usually recommend homeowners have their water tested for nitrates before going ahead with this test. These pesticides are more commonly used in agriculture in Wisconsin. Again, this test doesn't cover all pesticides.

Organophosphorus Pesticides 
Modified WEAL Method 8270

This test covers a wide range of insecticides. Generally, these compounds are not found in Wisconsin groundwater as often as those in the nitrogen and phosphorus containing pesticides. If there is concern from excessive use, a local spill, or a nearby agricultural chemical loading and mixing facility, this test may be appropriate.
 

INDUSTRIAL COMPOUNDS - Available for faculty research only

Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) 
Modified Method 8270
EPA Method 8270 PCBs were produced by Monsanto under the trade name of Aroclor. They were used in electrical transformers, capacitors and as fluids in vacuum pumps, compressors, and hydraulic systems. This test is for total PCBs (isomer specific PCBs is now available at a much higher cost, but limited to larger scale research projects).  We have worked with WDNR on projects to analyze fish and sediment for PCBs. PCBs can be analyzed using two techniques:

   Total PCBs or Aroclors®
   Level of chlorination (that is, mono, di, tri..., -chlorbiphenyl).

Polynuclear Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs)  
Modified Method 8270

PAHs are naturally occurring compounds in fossil fuel, but they are also formed during other natural combustion sources such as forest fires. They are often found in association with urban runoff.

DNR State Certification Lab Number 750040280