This panel quantifies 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons and petroleum-related compounds by EPA Method 8270C, reported in parts per billion. PAHs come from fuel spills, two-stroke engine exhaust, road runoff, parking lot washoff, and anything that burns. They are persistent, they bind tightly to sediment, and several are carcinogenic and bioaccumulative. This is the panel for lakes with a marina, a highway along the shoreline, a boat launch, an airport nearby, or a history of fuel storage.

WHAT THIS PANEL COVERS AND WHAT IT DOES NOT

Covers: 18 polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in surface water, spanning three weight classes — light (naphthalene, 1- and 2-methylnaphthalene), mid-weight (acenaphthene, acenaphthylene, fluorene, phenanthrene, anthracene), and heavy (benzo(a)anthracene, benzo(a)pyrene, benzo(b)fluoranthene, benzo(k)fluoranthene, benzo(g,h,i)perylene, chrysene, dibenzo(a,h)anthracene, fluoranthene, indeno(1,2,3-cd)pyrene, pyrene). Reported individually in parts per billion.

Does not cover: sediment, which is where hydrocarbons actually accumulate — this kit collects water only. Gasoline-range and diesel-range total petroleum hydrocarbons (TPH), which are separate analyses. BTEX compounds — benzene, toluene, ethylbenzene, xylene. Fuel fingerprinting to identify a specific product or responsible party. Toxicity assessment.

Detection limits: reporting limit 330 ppb, with individual method detection limits from roughly 13 to 137 ppb depending on compound. Several PAHs affect aquatic life below those thresholds, so a non-detect on this panel means no significant contamination — not zero. For low-level or legally defensible PAH data, contact the Boathouse before ordering.