Environmental Chemistry Methods (ECM)
Environmental chemistry methods (ECM) are analytical methods for residues in an environmental medium, which is typically soil or water. ECMs identify and quantify pesticide analytes of interest, which may include transformation products. ECMs may be used in conjunction with Aquatic Life Benchmarks, which are estimated concentrations below which pesticides are not expected to present a risk of concern for freshwater organisms. Comparing concentrations of a pesticide in water to Aquatic Life Benchmarks can be helpful in interpreting monitoring data and in identifying and prioritizing monitoring sites for further investigation.
The ECM reports listed in the ECM Index were submitted to EPA by pesticide registrants in order to support submitted field and monitoring studies, potential monitoring by states, tribes, and other entities. EPA posts these ECM reports and associated Independent Laboratory Validation (ILV) reports to the ECM Index. EPA may review ECM and ILV reports using data evaluation records that are posted to the index with the original study report; however, the reviews are not available for all ECMs. Analytical methods submitted to EPA to support human health studies are not posted to the ECM Index, even though they may analyze a medium common to ECMs (e.g., plants).
EPA makes no claim of validity by posting these ECMs but recognizes that they may be of some utility to state, tribal, and local authorities. Not all ECMs listed are independently validated or reviewed by EPA.