Testing for Perchlorate in Soil the Right Way
Concerned about perchlorate contamination in your soil? This chemical — commonly used in rocket fuel, explosives, and munitions — can linger in the environment and seep into groundwater supplies. If you're located near a military base, firing range, or industrial site, you’ll want to get the soil tested.
Below, we’ll explore SimpleLab’s Perchlorate Soil Test and how easy it is to find out what’s in your dirt.
How Do You Test for Perchlorate in Soil?
The only accurate way to test for perchlorate in soil is through certified laboratory analysis. SimpleLab’s mail-to-lab test kit includes everything you need to collect one sample of interest and send it to a professional lab.
The process is simple:
- Collect your soil sample following the instructions provided.
- Ship it to the lab with the prepaid 2-day return label.
- Receive a digital report within 10 business days.
Your sample is analyzed using EPA Method 314.0M, with a reporting limit as low as 0.05 mg/kg — ideal for detecting trace levels.
Who Should Use This Test?
This perchlorate in soil kit is ideal for:
- Homeowners near military facilities or munitions sites
- Property managers concerned about past industrial activity
- Environmental consultants evaluating contamination risks
- Anyone who suspects perchlorate exposure through soil
If you're worried about perchlorate exposure or need lab-grade analysis:
Frequently Asked Questions
Is perchlorate dangerous?
Perchlorate and related compounds (e.g., chlorate, bromate) have been linked to negative health outcomes, especially when they impact water and food supply. Testing is the first step to understanding your risk.
Can I use a home test strip instead?
No. Alternatives for perchlorate testing do not exist. Only a certified lab can perform the required analysis.
How can perchlorate be treated?
For large contaminated sites, bioremediation — the use of naturally occurring soil microorganisms — can be used to degrade perchlorate in soils and groundwater. For drinking water sources, ion exchange can be used to remove perchlorates.
How long does it take?
Shipping to the lab takes 2 days with the included prepaid label. You’ll receive results in about 10 business days after your sample is received by the lab.
What will I get with my results?
You’ll receive a detailed digital report from a certified lab, showing the perchlorate level in your soil (in mg/kg).
Questions? Contact Us
SimpleLab makes certified laboratory testing accessible and easy — no matter where you are or what you need to test for.
If you have any questions about testing with SimpleLab, reach out to our customer support team any time.
The SimpleLab Standard
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Proven Reliability: SimpleLab partners with North America's leading analytical institutions—including Eurofins, Pace Analytical, SGS, and Microbac—each with their own rigorous quality control protocols to ensure top-tier accuracy. Our certified labs are located across all 50 states, making logistics a breeze.
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Simplified Sampling: Every kit includes professional-grade materials, clear instructions, automated chain of custody, and free return shipping— making accurate testing effortless.
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Seamless Experience: We combine human support with automated logistics to help make complex lab analyses accessible to all. From our user interface to our lab reports, we ensure a time-saving, frustration-free process.
Jess leads the scientific program at SimpleLab and oversees all analytical and data products. She holds a PhD in water resources and a Master’s in Environmental Engineering from UC Berkeley.
About SimpleLab
SimpleLab combines world-class laboratory science with customer service to ensure testing your environment is simple, fast and factual. Everything we do is driven by data and supported by a team of experts ready to answer your questions.
