ICP-MS Solution to Address Serious Concerns Regarding Chromium VI in Drinking Water

Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., the world leader in serving science, today announced a highly sensitive ICP-MS solution for chromium measurement in drinking water, including the potentially carcinogenic hexavalent chromium (chromium VI). The Thermo Scientific XSERIES 2 ICP-MS is able to detect levels of chromium VI at less than 0.01 parts per billion (ppb), which is significantly lower than the current U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidelines of 0.5 ppb. Implementation of the system will provide laboratories with fast and accurate measurement of the element to ensure confident compliance with the EPA standards.

The Environmental Working Group (EWG), a nonprofit research organization, recently found chromium VI in the drinking water of 31 out of 35 U.S. cities tested, with the highest levels in samples from Norman in Oklahoma, Honolulu in Hawaii and Riverside, California. As a result of these findings, the EPA has advised U.S. water utilities to test more carefully for the presence of chromium in water sources. However, the methods on which many laboratories rely are not capable of meeting the desired 0.5 ppb level. ICP-MS methods in contrast offer unmatched sensitivity, from parts per billion into parts per trillion levels, for simultaneous analysis of numerous regulated contaminants in the EPA National Primary Drinking Water Regulations.

Thermo Fisher recently participated in the Association of Public Health Laboratories (APHL) Environmental Committees teleconference to discuss new approaches for measuring chromium in drinking water. Monitoring chromium VI levels in water sources is central to assessing the potential risk from exposure. The Thermo Scientific XSERIES 2 ICP-MS provides reproducible multi-element capabilities and superb accuracy for the detection of chromium VI. The system’s ability to process up to 50 samples per hour for analysis of total elemental concentrations and eight samples per hour for chromium VI determinations, coupled with less hands-on time from the operator, optimizes throughput and improves the efficiency of analyses. By implementing the system, laboratories can address health concerns by more quickly and confidently determining the levels of chromium VI and other trace elements in water.

“We want to make it as easy as possible for our customers to comply with and even surpass EPA regulatory standards,” said Dr. Shona McSheehy, ICP-Q-MS application specialist, Thermo Fisher Scientific. “The XSERIES 2 ICP-MS offers users a sensitive, specific detector with the capability to provide multi-elemental determinations and an accurate indication of toxicity in a wide range of matrices previously not possible using other methods.”

For more information about the Thermo Scientific XSERIES 2 ICP-MS, please visit the company article page.