Testing for Metals

*** The wastewater section is under construction! ***

Wastewater samples are generally collected as composites.  Samples collected by NEL receive 2.5 mL 1+1 nitric acid per 250 mL.  Additional 2.5 mL aliquots may be added and noted on C-O-C as necessary to ensure pH <2.  Digestion is mandatory and filtration or centrifugation are sometimes necessary.

Drinking water samples are generally collected as grabs.

Samples collected by customers such as homeowners are preserved upon receipt at the laboratory with 5 mL conc. nitric acid (Trace Metal Grade) per liter.

Samples collected by NEL receive 2.5 mL 1+1 nitric acid per 250 mL .
Plastic containers supplied by NEL are rinsed with 1+1 nitric acid, 1+1 hydrochloric acid and triple rinsed with deionized water.

 

O&G, CN, ABN, PCB/Pest.	1 liter glass / teflon-lined caps	Supplied by Subcontractor
BOD TSS TDS	1 liter plastic	Detergent wash and 3X DI rinse
Metals	0.1 – 1.0 liter plastic	Acid washed and 3X DI rinse
VOA/VOC	40ml VOA vials / teflon-lined caps	Supplied by Subcontractor