AWWA WQTC69341

Recent advances in analytical technology (GC-MS and HPLC-MS/MS) allow for the identification and quantification of a wide array of organic compounds in very low concentrations (typically, ng/L). Utilizing this technology, the analysis of chemical indicators of anthropogenic and agricultural origin has proven to be successful in projects aimed at indicating contamination from point sources. These techniques have been particularly useful when used in conjunction with microbial source tracking (MST) techniques in a "weight of evidence" context. The challenges that lie ahead for these chemical analysis methods include striving for method improvements that are focused upon more accurate quantification in difficult matrices, such as biosolids, and applying innovations that will reduce sample turn around time and cost for source tracking projects. Includes 12 references, table.