Oil & Grease

Method: EPA 1664
Volume: 1L for RL = 1.5mg/l, 2L for RL = 1.0mg/l
Preservation: HCl, 2-6 degrees C, Amber glass bottle
Special Requirements: for every set of samples submitted (1 to 20 samples) a duplicate sample must be submitted for internal laboratory QA/QC requirements. The client is not charged for this duplicate sample.

Western Environmental Testing Lab carries certification in NV and CA for the analysis of water samples for oil and grease by method EPA1664. WETLAB utilizes the “Solid Phase Extraction” or SPE technique. This method is used for determining n-hexane extractable material (HEM) which includes some non-volatile hydrocarbons, vegetable oils, animal fats, waxes, soaps, greases, and related materials.

In order to perform the oil and grease analysis we filter the client sample through a specially prepared filter that has the ability to hold onto oils and greases. Once the sample has been filtered through, we extract from the filter all the oil and grease using three portions on n-hexane. The n-hexane extracts are combined in a pre-weighed tin and evaporated. Once all the n-hexane is evaporated what is left is any oil and grease from the original sample. We determine the amount of oil and grease by comparing the final weight of the tin to the original weight. This is known as a gravimetric determination.

There are two very important requirements of the method that the client needs to be aware of concerning Oil & Grease. The first is that the client must collect the sample in a 1-liter glass container. Plastic does not work since it is more susceptible to oils and greases sticking to the inside of the container. The second requirement is that the lab must analyze a second 1-liter sample (one for every 20 samples analyzed) as part of the QA/QC requirements of the method. This is an issue since we usually only receive one sample per site from the client. We generally send out an extra 1-liter sample container per bottle kit to the clients that is labeled as a QA/QC sample (or “Duplicate”). This sample is not actually used as a laboratory duplicate and should not replace any field duplicates required by your sampling protocols, it is simply used to provide additional sample volume to run the method required QA/QC. Please remember we do not charge the client for this extra sample, it is simply a sample that we need to satisfy all method requirements.

WETLAB’s objective is always to produce the highest quality data while providing our clients with superior customer service. Our client services staff is renowned for both meeting the testing needs of our clients’ and offering innovative and customized solutions. In response to the needs of many of our regional clients, we have developed niche products and services specific to Northern Nevada and Northern California.

WETLAB routinely provides comprehensive analytical support on a variety of matrices including:

• Wastewater
• Surface water
• Storm water
• Soil
• Wastes
• Rocks
• Groundwater
• Drinking water
• Sludge
• Filters
• Monitor wells
• Speciality Matrices (De-icing products, media, paint chips, etc.)

Compounds for which WETLAB provides services include:

• Metals
• Anions
• Low Level Nutrients
• MWMP Extractions
• Microbiology
• General Chemistry
• TCLP Compounds
• Priority Pollutants
• Mining Chemistry

If you would like a complete listing of parameters that we perform testing on, email us at ginger@wetlaboratory.com.

We perform testing to comply with the following programs in Nevada and California:

• NPDES
• RCRA
• SDWA
• CWA
• We also appear of the Bureau of Reclamation’s Approved Vendor List

Our quality assurance program ensures that data is produced in an accurate, precise, legally defensible, timely and cost effective manner. Our Quality Assurance Plan provides the structure, policies and responsibility for the execution of quality assurance, quality control and quality assessment programs. We have also developed Standard Operating Procedures for all of the methods and procedures that are performed in our laboratories. If you are interested in receiving a copy of our Statement of Qualifications or Quality Assurance Plan, please email Ginger Peppard at ginger@wetlaboratory.com.