EPA Method 29 is used for what purpose?

• A. Analyzing volatile organics in drinking water.
• B. Measuring ozone concentrations in urban air.
• C. Determining metals emissions from stationary sources using sampling of stack gases (often via XRF).
• D. Assessing noise emissions from industrial equipment.

Answer: (C)

Metal emissions from stationary sources are determined by sampling stack gases. Method 29 provides the procedures to collect an isokinetic sample of the exhaust stream, capturing the particulates that contain metals with a proper sampling train and filters. The collected material is then analyzed—often by X-ray fluorescence—to quantify the metal concentrations. Those results are used to calculate emission rates and verify compliance with permit limits for metals. This approach is specific to measuring metals in stack emissions, not to analyses of drinking water organics, urban ozone, or noise from equipment, which involve different matrices and methods.