Introduction
BSK Labs runs a number of environmental laboratories and service centers along the west coast of the US. A total of 70 employees – including microbiologists, chemists, lab technicians, and support staff – make sure that the 200 to 350 samples that come in every week are analyzed. BSK Labs specializes in potable water chemistry, ground water monitoring, storm water runoff, solid waste characterization, and wastewater discharge compliance. The company's portfolio is rounded off with services including project consultation, sample collection, and small public water system operation and management.
The challenges of the environmental lab
One of the most important analysis methods for American environmental labs is the determination of inorganic anions in accordance with EPA 300.1 Part A. In this standard, the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) describes how to analyze various substances including chloride, sulfate, bromide, nitrate, and nitrite not only in different types of water and waste water, but also in solids (following extraction) and leachates, using ion chromatography. The nature of the samples measured in environmental labs is such that sample preparation is required – this always involves filtering the samples, and in many cases diluting them as well. This is the only way to prevent damage to the analysis system and to achieve accurate results. Sample preparation is expensive for BSK Labs, as it involves a lot of work as well as costly consumables.
Considerations when buying the new system
BSK Labs processes a high volume of samples, including some with a limited shelf life. Reliability is therefore a particularly important criterion when it comes to buying a new system. Economic considerations also play a key role: a new system should pay for itself as quickly as possible; it needs to be generating a return on investment after a year at the latest. A 30-day trial run should demonstrate whether the system offered by Metrohm meets the requirements. BSK Labs tested a Metrohm ion chromatography system with automatic ultrafiltration and dilution.
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