Perchlorate Testing

Perchlorate (ClO₄^-) occurs in the environment when perchlorate salts of ammonium, potassium, magnesium or sodium dissolve in water. Major sources of perchlorate are solid propellants for rockets, missiles and fireworks. However, it also occurs naturally. Naturally occurring perchlorate may be a greater source than originally thought. Regardless of source, this pollutant is exceedingly mobile in aquifer systems. It can persist for many decades under typical groundwater and surface water conditions because of its relative stability.

Perchlorate, at even extremely low concentrations, impairs normal thyroid function and may contribute to thyroid cancer. Perchlorate is among a group of unregulated chemicals requiring monitoring in more and more states.

ALS - Columbia performs perchlorate analyses by EPA Method 314.0 as well as the new determinate methods using LC/MS and LC/MS/MS (specifically EPA Method 6850) technology which allow for greater sensitivity and selectivity.

Learn more about perchlorate...

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