ENVIRONMENTAL ANALYTICAL LABORATORY CONTENT
LABORATORY #1 PHOSPHATES IN RAW AND TREATED SEWAGE
Part A.
Determine the Concentration of Phosphates in Treated and Raw Sewage Using the Stannous
Chloride Method.
Part B. Implementation of a Quality Control Program.
Part C. Calculation of Method Detection Limit using the Stannous Chloride Method.
This lab is designed to familiarize the student with the technique of determining method detection limits and
applying the results using proper reporting format. The student will determine the concentration of phosphates
in treated and raw sewage using colourimetric analysis and calculate the % efficiency of the STP. A series of
quality controls are implemented into the analytical run and used to determine the reliability of all data
generated. The student will then discuss the results of the data in terms of reliability, sources of error and relate
the data to relevant environmental legislation and compliancy.
Students must research the sources of phosphates in raw sewage and the environmental impact of phosphates on
the aquatic ecosystem of receiving waterways and the methods of phosphate removal in STPs.
LABORATORY # 2 HE XAVALENT CHROMIUM IN INDUSTRIAL WASTEWATER
Analysis of Hexavalent Chromium using Diphenylcarbazide Method.
The student is required to analyze industrial wastewater from a chrome plating plant using colourimetry and
determine the method detection limit for this method. The chrome plating plant is a non-direct discharger and
the student must determine what environmental legislation applies to the industry and if compliant
Discuss the environmental impact of heavy metals, sources, effects, and treatment technology available.
Explain why STP limit the concentrations of heavy metals in the raw sewage.
LABORATORY #3 COPPER IN TREATED WOOD
This lab familiarizes the student with sample preparation technique of metal digestions to isolate the analyte
from a pressure treated wood sample. The analysis is performed using atomic absorption spectroscopy and the
student will use their previously gained knowledge of MDL determinations to perform and calculate the MDL
for this method. The student will be given a standard reference material to determine corrected copper values
based on the true SRM concentration.
The student will research the pressure treated wood formulations and the application rates used.
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LABORATORY #4
SAMPLING AND ANALYSIS of NOx and PARTICULATES IN
CIGARETTE SMOKE
Air sampling techniques are used to collect cigarette smoke air samples and used to determine the nitrogen
oxide and particulate concentration.
LABORATORY #5 POLYNUCLEAR AROMATIC HYDROCARBONS IN SOILS BY HPLC
This lab concentrates on sampling protocols, sample preparation techniques, clean-up techniques and
concentrating procedures and calculations. The student will use proper sampling protocols and records to collect
a soil sample expected of PAH contamination. The student will require to research the Standard Method for
PAH analysis and prepare a flow chart for the analytical procedure including the three main steps in sample
preparation: isolation of parameter, concentration of sample and sample clean-up.
Discuss the principle of reverse phase HPLC, sources and effects of PAHs in the environment and determine the
need for potential site remediation based on the Ontario Decommissioning Guidelines. Research possible
remediation/treatment technologies for PAH contaminated soil sites.
LABORATORY #6 EFFECTS OF HEAVY METALS ON MICROORGANISMS
Familiarize the student microbiological growth techniques and the effects of heavy metals on the growth
microorganisms. Students must understand the importance of sewer use compliance and determine the
compliance levels for the heavy metals used in the lab.
LABORATORY #7 DETECTION OF FUEL COMPONENTS BY GC/TCD
This lab examines the concentrations of fuel components in different octane rated gasoline samples using
GC/TCD. The student must determine compliance of benzene in gasoline by researching appropriate
environmental legislation.
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