Chromium in MCE Membranes

EMSL Analytical Inc. (EMSL) recently conducted a network-wide investigation into elevated chromium levels commonly found in mixed cellulose ester (MCE) membranes utilized for collection of metal particulates in air. While the presence of trace chromium levels in MCE membranes has been known for many years, EMSL wants their customers to understand the potential impact upon their analytical results.

It is important to distinguish the source of the chromium between procedural contamination (e.g., a field blank) and that which is indigenous to the membrane material itself prior to use in the field (media blank). While EMSL bears no responsibility for either source, we encourage customers to submit blanks with their samples as a means for them to track and document such potential levels of chromium and other metals.

Analysis was conducted using inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) instrumentation utilizing detection by both optical emission spectrometry (OES) and mass spectrometry (MS). All MCE membranes evaluated were 37mm diameter and 0.8µm (micron) pore size. Although chromium levels varied among membranes provided by different vendors, even individual membranes within a unique lot or batch, our investigation found that chromium levels ranging from 0.2 µg (microgram) up to 0.6 µg or more per membrane were common.

EMSL hopes that you find this information useful toward your project objectives. Please visit our website or call 1.800.220.3675 for additional assistance.