In-Situ
Inc. has announced that the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)
has granted nationwide approval to three In-Situ RDO optical dissolved oxygen
methods under the Alternate Test Procedure (ATP) process. The In-Situ RDO
methods are the only optical- or luminescence-based DO methods to pass the ATP
approval process for measuring Biochemical Oxygen Demand (BOD), Carbonaceous
Biochemical Oxygen Demand (CBOD) and Dissolved Oxygen (DO) under the Clean
Water Act.
The ATP process validated three methods using the In-Situ
RDO optical (luminescent) DO sensor as the determinative technique. Results
from the validation establish the In-Situ RDO methods as the most widely tested
and applicable optical DO methods available for compliance monitoring.
Ten
federal- or state-certified laboratories performed testing in nine water and
wastewater sample matrices. More than 1,300 samples were tested in municipal
wastewater (influent and effluent), industrial wastewater from significant and
categorical dischargers, ambient surface water, drinking water and other
categories. No significant matrix interferences were observed in any of the
1,300 samples tested.
Entities
holding National Pollution Discharge and Elimination System (NPDES) permits
must use EPA-approved methodologies for BOD, CBOD and DO testing. The EPA
Office of Science and Technology will recommend the In-Situ RDO methods for
inclusion at 40 CFR Part 136.3. In the interim, NPDES permit holders can begin
monitoring with the In-Situ RDO methods after seeking approval from their
regional EPA authority.
