What Types of Environmental Samples Are Commonly Analyzed?
Several types of environmental samples are commonly analyzed in toxicology:
Water Samples: These are collected from surface waters, groundwater, and drinking water sources to detect pollutants like heavy metals, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals. Soil Samples: These are analyzed to determine the presence of contaminants like persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and to assess soil health. Air Samples: These help identify airborne pollutants such as volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and particulate matter (PM). Biota Samples: These involve collecting samples from living organisms to study bioaccumulation and biomagnification of toxic substances. Sediment Samples: These are crucial for understanding the accumulation of pollutants in aquatic environments.
