 AAQD Summary
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Expertise
The Analysis & Air Quality Division (AAQD) has expertise in the development
of analytical chemistry and biotesting methods, and related QA/QC programs,
for supporting regulations and guidelines and environmental studies of
priority pollutants.
The Division has a capability to analyze for a variety of organic and
inorganic compounds in diverse sample matrices which usually originate
from air pollution or industry related sources. Analytical method
development work is also undertaken to ensure the most appropriate
procedures are used for specific sample types and to support the
development of environmental regulations. The Division is also
engaged in compliance activities and Quality Assurance activities
in support of internal and external programs.
The Organic Laboratory measures ultra trace (ppt, ppq) levels of
many organic compounds with particular emphasis on the analysis
of polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDD), polychlorinated
dibenzofurans (PCDF), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCB), polycyclic
aromatic hydrocarbons (PAH) and other priority pollutants.
A specially designed and operated Organic Ultra-Trace laboratory
is used for sample preparation and analysis of these toxic pollutants.
The laboratory is well equipped with gas and liquid chromatographs
as well as having two high resolution GC-mass spectroscopy systems.
The laboratory carries out major analytical projects for ultra-trace
levels (ppt, ppq) of organic compounds in complex sample matrices in
support of national programs; develops analytical reference methods
to support CEPA regulations; designs and implements inter-laboratory
studies to validate procedures; and manages QA/QC and audit programs
to assure quality of data submitted under compliance programs are of
the highest quality.
The Inorganic Laboratory develops ultra-trace methods
(detection limit 0.1 ppt) for the determination of elements and anions
in air particulates and applies the developed methods in the analysis
of air particulates. Major techniques used are X-ray fluorescence and
ion chromatography. Ion chromatography is used for the analysis of ten
major anions including the "acid rain" components, that is sulphate
and nitrate and ten cations (alkali metals, ammonium, and earth alkali
metals). X-ray fluorescence is used for the analysis of 47 elements
(heavier than aluminum ). Research is conducted into applications of
capillary electrophoresis to neutral species.
The Division also coordinates the development of a national Good
Laboratory Practices (GLP) Program to support the New Substances
Notification Regulations under the Canadian Environmental Protection
Act, and the development of biotesting methods by the Department.
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Recent Projects Undertaken
- Development of Reference Methods for PCBs in environmental matrices.
- Development of X-Ray Fluorescence techniques for ambient air samples.
- Development of Reference Methods for Dioxins/Furans in Pulp &
Paper Effluents, Stack emission samples and ambient air.
- Development of methods for measuring PAH and NitroPAH in diesel fuel
emissions.
- Development of techniques for measuring atmospheric aerosols using
capillary zone electrophoresis.
- Development of Reference Method for measuring Ozone-Depleting
Substances in aerosol containers.
- Development of Reference Methods, general methods, and supporting
guidance procedures for a variety of biological testing techniques.
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Research Organization
The core programs of the AAQD, a Division of the Environmental
Technology Centre, were established when the Department of the
Environment was formed in the early 1970s.
The AAQD represents a diverse group of about 25 chemists, biologists
and technicians. Division staff develop analytical methods and quality
assurance programs suitable to specific sample types, primarily to assist
in developing and implementing environmental regulations.
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Accreditation
The chemistry laboratories are accredited by the Canadian Association of Environmental Analytical Laboratories.
The division also provides auditors for CAEAL site inspections for both analytical chemistry and toxicology programs.
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