Analytical solutions for contaminants

The contaminants in air, drinking water, wastewater, soils, and sewage sludge (Biosolids), and composts need to be controlled to protect the environment and public health. These contaminants include inorganic anions and cations, heavy metals, pesticides and herbicides, persistent organic pollutants, hormones, pharmaceutical products, and personal care products. Many of these contaminants are known to be harmful and are strictly regulated by the Federal and the State laws and regulations.

In addition, for many other contaminants, the health effects are not well understood, or the levels and frequencies of occurrence in our environment are not clear, or efficient analytical methods to quantify and characterize have not been available. These contaminants referred to as Contaminants of emerging concern are still under evaluation in terms of toxicity and scope.

On this page, you will find:

  • Contaminants of different categories 
  • Directed pages for detailed information on analysis of different classes of contaminants

Contaminant analysis features


Contaminant Analysis Subtopics

Anion Analysis

In the U.S., water quality is legislated through the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA) and the Clean Water Act (CWA). Learn how the primary and secondary drinking water standards have been adopted in the U.S. for certain inorganic anions.

Metal Analysis

Metal contamination is one of the major concerns in our environment. These metals, especially toxic heavy metals, have entered our food chain and influenced our health. Learn how monitoring and analyzing these metals are cirtical to protecting public health.

Total & Hexavalent Chromium Measurement

Trivalent chromium or Cr(III) is essential to human beings, while hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) is highly toxic. Cr(VI) can be released from cooling towers into drinking water and it can also come from oxidation of Cr (III) by Mn(III/IV) in drinking water. 

Bromate Analysis Methods

Drinking water municipalities routinely disinfect their water supplies to protect the public from potentially dangerous microorganisms. These treatments produce byproducts that expose the public to potentially harmful chemicals.