Analysis of PCBs and persistent chlorinated pesticides in Arctic biota and sediments

The Scientific Authority leads core monitoring studies on persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in arctic marine mammals, fish, water and sediments that are conducted under the Northern Contaminants Program in which Environment Canada is a major participating federal department. The datasets for these studies are large reflecting annual sampling at 3 locations for ringed seals and about 8 locations for fish and include approximately 100 individual organohalogen compounds as analytes. Time series for various contaminants are available which span up to 35 years providing unique insights into regional and global trends in pollution. The data have been important contributions to Canadian international activities such as the development of the Stockholm Convention on POPs. Concentrations of POPs are generally very low due to the remoteness of the lakes and arctic marine environments that the samples come from. We are seeking an outside laboratory to conduct the analyses of these types of samples. The lab would be provided with samples by the Scientific Authority and after conducting extraction and analysis would provide Environment Canada with the extracts so that additional analyses could be performed. The contracted laboratory would be required to demonstrate in that it can meet rigorous quality assurance criteria including low laboratory blank contamination, consistency of performance in the analysis of certified reference materials, and evidence of successful participation in national or international quality assurance programs.