PAH Analysis

The Scientific Authority is conducting studies of the spatial and temporal patterns in parent and alkylated Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments in the oil sands area of Alberta and other regions of northern Canada. These studies involve data collected as part of monitoring programs conducted by consultant/industry and Environment Canada’s own research. This research is being expanded to include parent and alkylated PAH analyses of fish collected along the Athabasca River and other northern lake and river ecosystems. Fish PAH data (concentration and composition) will be compared to measurements made in sediments to investigate the degree of bioaccumulation/elimination of the various PAH compounds. Very low detection limits are required to provide for the most sensitive analyses and ultimately the data need for rigorous statistical analyses. Furthermore, because the fish samples are being shared with other researchers conducting other measurements of fish health, the contractor must be able to work with relatively small weights (ca. 10 g wet weight); samples would include fillet, liver, and whole bodies of forage fish.

We are seeking an outside laboratory to conduct the analyses of these types of samples. The laboratory will be provided with 105 samples by the Scientific Authority and would be required to homogenize, extract, and analyze them; a report is then needed showing the data. Data are to include the measured PAH concentrations for the requested 74 parent and alkylated PAHs, laboratory blanks and the percent recovery of laboratory spikes. Data are to be included as Excel files. Furthermore for each sample a report is to be given of the details of the analytical run including extract volume, injection volume, sample weight and the other necessary information needed as part of accreditation compliance. All reports and communications must be in English. The contracted laboratory would be required to demonstrate 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. Remaining sample tissues are to be returned.

The proposed contract will be from the date of contract award to 31 March 2014. The maximum budget allocated for this project shall not exceed $68,775.00 (HST extra).