NCCA 2015 GLHHFFTS Fish Fillet Tissue Data Dictionary for Mercury, PCBs, PFAS, and PCDDs/PCDFs November 2021

NCCA 2015 GLHHFFTS Fish Fillet Tissue Data Dictionary for Mercury, PCBs, PFAS, and PCDDs/PCDFs

November 2021

The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Office of Science and Technology (OST) is providing the fish
tissue results from the 2015 Great Lakes Human Health Fish Fillet Tissue Study (GLHHFFTS) conducted under the
agency's National Coastal Condition Assessment (NCCA). The specific analyses include:

• Mercury

• Poly chlorinated bipheny Is (PCBs)

• Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

• Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs) and Polychlorinated dibenzofurans (PCDFs), also referred to
as dioxins and furans

This file includes the "data dictionary" for each type of contaminant analysis. The field names and descriptions for
the analytical results are similar for each type of analysis, but some analyses include additional information that may
not apply to all analysis types. OST is also providing information on the fish samples collected during the study and
used to prepare the fillet tissue samples that were analyzed. The fish sample information for each contaminant data
file is identical, so only one version of the dictionary for the fish sample information is provided after the dictionary
for the results for each type of contaminant analysis.

"Results" Tabs for Mercury, PCBs, PFAS, and PCDDs/PCDFs (also referred to as dioxins and furans)

Field Name

Description

EPA Region

The EPA Region in which the fish sample was collected.

State

USPS 2-letter abbreviation for the state in which the fish sample was collected.

Lake

Name of the Great Lake from which the fish sample was collected.

Site ID

The identifier assigned by EPA to the fish sample collection site. The first four characters are
"GLNS," the next two are the site selection year (15), followed by the 4-digit site location.

EPA Sample ID

Unique 6-digit number assigned by EPA.

% Lipids

Data that is provided in the PCB and PCDD/PCDF (dioxin and furan) results tabs. The
percentage of lipids measured in the fillet tissue sample.

Common name or abbreviation for the analyte (or chemical).

Analyte
(Chemical)

For the PCBs, the abbreviation "PCB" is followed by the congener number (i.e., "PCB-7"). It is
not practical to completely separate all 209 PCB congeners from one another, so congeners that
elute from the gas chromatograph together are listed with a forward slash between each
congener, in increasing congener number order, e.g., PCB-12/PCB-13. "Total PCBs" is the name
given to the sum of the results for all 209 of the congeners (which includes the coeluting
congener groups) reported in the fillet tissue sample. This value was calculated by OST, using
zero for any congener that was "not detected" at the method detection limit.

For the PFAS, the analyte (or chemical) names are those of the anion form of the analyte (e.g.,
the "ate" form).

For PCDDs/PCDFs (dioxins and furans), the analyte (or chemical) names use the common
abbreviations, such as "TCDD" for tetrachloro-dibenzo-p-dioxin. In addition, OST calculated the
sum of the "toxic equivalents" (TEQ) for the 17 analytes, plus the TEQ attributable to the 12
World Health Organization (WHO) "toxic" (dioxin-like) PCB congeners, and the sum of those
two TEQs as "Total TEQ." The three TEQ values are listed as separate analytes.

Chemical Abstracts Service (CAS) Registry Number assigned by CAS to the analyte.

CAS Numbers do not exist for the groups of coeluting PCB congeners.

CAS Number

For the PFAS, this is the CAS Number of the parent acid or amide form, since the anions do not
have separate CAS Numbers.

For PCDDs/PCDFs (dioxins and furans), there are no CAS numbers for the TEQ values.

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NCCA 2015 GLHHFFTS Fish Fillet Tissue Data Dictionary for Mercury, PCBs, PFAS, and PCDDs/PCDFs

November 2021

"Results" Tabs for Mercury, PCBs, PFAS, and PCDDs/PCDFs (also referred to as dioxins and furans)

Field Name

Description

Concentration of the analyte, if detected. If this field is blank, then the analyte was not detected
in the sample. In order to accommodate the range of concentrations in these samples, all of the
results are presented with the same number of decimal places for an analyte class.

Amount

For mercury, the amount field is presented to one decimal place.

For PCBs, the amount field is presented to 6 decimal places.

For PFAS, the amount field is presented to 2 decimal places.

For PCDDs/PCDFs, the amount field is presented to 3 decimal places.

However, these results have at most 3 significant figures, regardless of the number of decimal
places (e.g., a PFAS value of 19.00 does not imply 4 significant figures).

TEF

Toxicity Equivalency Factor that applies only to PCDDs/PCDFs and relates the toxicity of a
given PCDD or PCDF to the toxicity of 2,3,7,8-TCDD, the most toxic congener. OST used the
2005 WHO TEF values to calculate TEQs.

Congener TEQ

The TEQ contribution for each PCDD/PCDF congener was calculated by OST as the product of
the congener amount and the congener-specific TEF value.

Unit 1

The weight/weight units, ng/g (Mercury, PCBs, and PFAS) or pg/g (PCDDs/PCDFs only).

Unit 2

The "parts per billion" notation ppb, which is equivalent to ng/g, or the "parts per trillion"
notation ppt, which is equivalent to pg/g.

The nominal method detection limit for the analyte, based on the procedure in 40 CFR part 136,
not adjusted for actual sample size, in the units shown in the Units column.

MDL

For mercury, MDLs are reported to 2 decimal places (1 more place than the amount).

For PCBs, MDLs are reported to 6 decimal places (the same number of decimal places as the

amount).

For PFAS, MDLs are reported to 2 decimal places (the same number of decimal places as the
amount).

For PCDDs/PCDFs, MDLs are reported to 4 decimal places (1 more place than the amount).

The nominal quantitation limit (QL) or "Minimum Level" for the analyte, based on the lowest
calibration standard analyzed, not adjusted for sample size, in the units shown in the Units
column.

The data qualifier flag(s) applied by the laboratory.

For mercury, no lab qualifier flags were required.

Lab Qualifier

For the other analytes, the following flags were used, either singly or in combination:
U = Not detected

B = Analyte also present in the method blank
J = Estimated value (between the MDL and QL values)

Flag

For the PCBs and PCDDs/PCDFs, the following additional flags were used, either singly or in
combination:

C = Analyte is a coeluting group of congeners
D = Result is from a diluted analysis

E = Original result exceeded the calibration range; reported result is from a dilution
G = Evidence of a disturbance with the lock-mass used during the analysis
K = Ion abundance ratio is outside of the acceptance limits, but the analyte meets all the other
identification criteria

SCC Code

Qualifiers applied by the Sample Control Center staff providing analytical support to OST
programs during data validation. For the mercury data, no SCC codes were required.

The individual SCC codes applied to the other results (PCBs, PFAS, and PCDDs/PCDFs) are
identified and defined in the table of SCC codes below.

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NCCA 2015 GLHHFFTS Fish Fillet Tissue Data Dictionary for Mercury, PCBs, PFAS, and PCDDs/PCDFs

November 2021

"Results" Tabs for Mercury, PCBs, PFAS, and PCDDs/PCDFs (also referred to as dioxins and furans)

Field Name

Description

Comments

A text translation of the SCC code combinations applied to each applicable result. For mercury,
no SCC codes were applied, so no comments were needed.

Sort Order

Applies only to PCBs, PFAS, and PCDDs/PCFDs. A field used to sort the analyte names in a
consistent order within each analyte class.

For PCBs, the values in this field range from 1 to 163.

For PFAS, the values in this field range from 1 to 13.

For PCDDs/PCDFs, the values in this field range from 1 to 20.

3

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NCCA 2015 GLHHFFTS Fish Fillet Tissue Data Dictionary for Mercury, PCBs, PFAS, and PCDDs/PCDFs

November 2021

"Sample Information" Tab for All Analytes

Field Name

Description

EPA Region

The EPA Region in which the fish sample was collected.

State

USPS 2-letter abbreviation for the state in which the fish sample was collected.

Lake Name

Name of the Great Lake from which the fish sample was collected.

Site ID

The identifier assigned by EPA to the fish sample collection site. The first four characters are
"GLNS," the next two are the site selection year (15), followed by the 4-digit site location.

EPA Sample ID

Unique 6-digit number assigned by EPA.

Latitude

Latitude, in decimal format, to 5 decimal places.

Longitude

Longitude, in decimal format, to 5 decimal places.

Sample Collection
Date

Actual sampling date, in MM/DD/YYYY format.

Sample Specimen ID

The 6-digit EPA Sample ID, followed by a decimal point and a value between 1 and 10. The decimal
portion identifies the number assigned to the individual fish specimen in the composite sample.

Spec Sort

A specimen sorting field designed to account for the fact that samples with more than 9 specimens do
not sort properly (i.e., XX. 10 sorts before XX.2).

Species - Scientific
Name

Scientific name (Genus and species) based on Nelson et al. (2004), Common and Scientific Names of
Fishes from the United States, Canada, and Mexico, Sixth Edition.

Species - Common
Name

Generally accepted common name based on Nelson et al. (2004).

Family

Scientific name of the Family based on Nelson et al. (2004).

Tissue Type

The type of fish tissue used to prepare the tissue sample for analysis. For the 2015 GLHHFFTS, all of
the samples were prepared from fillet tissue.

Total Length (mm)

Length of each individual fish specimen in millimeters (mm).

Included in
Composite?

This field indicates if the fish specimen was included in the fillet tissue composite sample for analysis
or not. The options are either "Yes" or "No" and the rationale is explained in the "Instructions" field to
the far right.

Predator or Bottom
Dweller

Classification of the fish species as either:
P = Predator species, or
BD = Bottom-dweller species

Composite
Classification

Routine vs. Non-routine composite, based on the fish composite sample criteria specified in the human
health fish sampling procedures.

Deviation

For non-routine composites, the nature of the deviation from the criteria (e.g., number of fish, fish
length, or both).

Fillet Sample

Preparation

Instructions

Instructions from OST to the fish tissue sample preparation laboratory regarding which fish specimens
to include in the fillet composite sample for analysis, based on specimen length and species.

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NCCA 2015 GLHHFFTS Fish Fillet Tissue Data Dictionary for Mercury, PCBs, PFAS, and PCDDs/PCDFs

November 2021

Individual SCC Codes Applied to the 2015 GLHHFFTS Results

SCC Code

Comments

Implication

B, RMAX

Blank Contamination,
Result is a Maximum
Value

Blank contamination was observed, and the target analyte was reported in the
sample at a concentration between 5 and 10 times higher than the blank
value. The result was considered to be of acceptable quality, but data users
are cautioned that it may be a maximum value due to possible influence of
contamination.

B, RNAF

Blank Contamination,
Result is Not Affected

Blank contamination was present but was not considered to adversely impact
the sample result. The presence of the analyte in the blank is not considered
to adversely affect the data in cases where the sample results are more than
10 times the associated blank results or where the analyte is not detected in
associated samples.

B, RNON

Blank Contamination,
Result Reported as a
Non-detect

When the sample result is less than five times the blank result, there are no
means by which to ascertain whether or not the presence of the analyte may
be attributed to contamination. Therefore, the result is reported in the
database as a non-detect at the MDL, adjusted for sample size and dilution.

CONF

Result confirmed on
method-specified second
GC column

This code only applies to 2,3,7,8-TCDF, where the GC column used for the
initial analysis of the sample may not separate this congener from other
TCDF congeners. Therefore, the method directs the laboratory to analyze
the sample extract for 2,3,7,8-TCDF on a second GC column to confirm any
positive results. Non-detects do not require confirmation.

HIAR, J

High Ion Abundance
Ratio, Estimated

Each analyte is identified and quantified based on the instrumental response
for two specific ions and the ratio of those two ions was above the upper
acceptance limit, suggesting a potential interference that may affect the
sample result. Therefore, the result also is flagged as an estimated value.

HLBL

High Labeled
Compound Recovery

The labeled analog of the target analyte was recovered above acceptance
criteria, suggesting the possible presence of matrix interferences. Isolated
instances of high recovery are not uncommon, and patterns across multiple
samples are more of a concern. If the analyte was not detected in a field
sample, there is no concern and the RNAF is added to the HLBL flag.

HLBL, J

High Labeled
Compound Recovery,
Estimated

HLBL,
RNAF

High Labeled
Compound Recovery,
Result is Not Affected

HLCS

High Lab Control
Sample Recovery

The lab control sample (LCS) was a clean reference matrix. If recovery in the
LCS was high, there may be a high bias for that analyte.

HLCS,
RNAF

High Lab Control
Sample Recovery,
Result is Not Affected

The recovery in the LCS was high, but the analyte was not detected in the
associated fillet tissue sample, so there was no high bias concern and the
RNAF flag was applied.

HMSR

High Matrix Spike
Recovery

High matrix spike (MS) recovery indicated a positive interference or a high
bias. Isolated instances of high recovery are not uncommon, and patterns
across multiple MS samples are more of a concern. When high matrix spike
recovery was observed for an analyte, the results for that analyte were
qualified in all of the fillet tissue samples in the batch with the matrix spike
sample.

HMSR,
RNAF

High Matrix Spike
Recovery, Result is Not
Affected

High matrix spike (MS) recovery indicated a positive interference or a high
bias, but the analyte was not detected in the fillet tissue sample, so there was
no high bias concern for the specific sample and the RNAF flag was applied.

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NCCA 2015 GLHHFFTS Fish Fillet Tissue Data Dictionary for Mercury, PCBs, PFAS, and PCDDs/PCDFs

November 2021

Individual SCC Codes Applied to the 2015 GLHHFFTS Results

SCC Code

Comments

Implication

HRPD, J

High RPD, Estimated

The relative percent difference (RPD) between the results in the parent
sample and the laboratory duplicate is above the acceptance limit. This may
be due to inhomogeneity in the bulk sample or analytical variability. When
high RPD was observed for an analyte, all the detected results for that
analyte in any of the samples in the batch with the duplicate sample were
qualified as estimated values.

HRPD,
RNAF

High RPD, Result is Not
Affected

The relative percent difference (RPD) between the results in the parent
sample and the laboratory duplicate is above the acceptance limit. This may
be due to inhomogeneity in the bulk sample or analytical variability.
However, when high RPD was observed for an analyte, the non-detected
results for that analyte were not affected, and the RNAF flag was applied.

HVER, J

High CALVER,
Estimated

The results for the calibration verification associated with the analyte were
above the acceptance limit, suggesting a possible high bias. Detected
analytes also are considered estimated values.

HVER,
RNAF

High CALVER, Result
is Not Affected

The results for the calibration verification associated with the analyte were
above the acceptance limit, suggesting a possible high bias, but the analyte
was not detected in the associated fillet tissue sample, so there is no high bias
concern and the RNAF flag is applied.

Estimated

When applied alone, this code indicates that the result is at or above the
MDL, but below the QL. This flag also may be applied in conjunction with
other flags to indicate the potential for greater uncertainty.

LIAR, J

Low Ion Abundance
Ratio, Estimated

Each analyte is identified and quantified based on the instrumental response
for two specific ions and the ratio of those two ions was below the lower
acceptance limit, suggesting a potential interference that may lower the
sample result. Therefore, the result also is flagged as an estimated value.

LLBL

Low Labeled Compound
Recovery

The labeled analog of the target analyte was recovered below acceptance
criteria, suggesting the possible presence of matrix interferences or
incomplete recovery of both the labeled compound and target analyte during
the extract cleanup processes used in the analytical procedure. The use of
isotope dilution quantitation automatically corrects the results for the target
analyte, even when the labeled compound recovery is below expectations.

LLCS

Low LCS result

The lab control sample (LCS) was a clean reference matrix. If recovery in the
LCS was low, there may be a low bias for that analyte. When low LCS
recovery was observed for an analyte, the results for that analyte were
qualified in all of the fillet tissue samples in the batch with the LCS.

LMSR

Low Matrix Spike
Recovery

Low recovery in the matrix spike indicated a potential low bias for the
analyte, possibly due to poor extraction efficiency in the sample matrix.
Isolated instances of low recovery are not uncommon, and patterns across
multiple MS samples are more of a concern. When low matrix spike
recovery was observed for an analyte, the results for that analyte were
qualified in all of the fillet tissue samples in the batch with the matrix spike
sample.

REXC, J

Result exceeded
calibration range, but
further dilution not
practical, Estimated

The results for the analyte exceeded the calibration range of the instrument,
but dilution of the extract to bring the result in range was not practical
because it would dilute out the labeled compounds in the sample to the point
that they could not be used for quantitation. Therefore, the result also is
flagged as an estimated value.

Note: Commas are used to separate related parts of a single code (e.g., "B, RNON" is considered one code), while
semicolons are used to separate different codes (e.g., "B, RNAF; J" is the combination of two codes).

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