Environmental Inorganic Nonmetallic Constituents Analysis
It is critical to determine the presence of inorganic nonmetallic constituents in the environment, like chloride, fluoride, sulphate, phosphate and nitrate-nitrogen in the surface and ground water. Classical wet chemistry analysis of inorganic nonmetallic constituents include nutrients (ammonia, nitrite, nitrate and phosphate), minerals (calcium and magnesium hardness, chloride, fluoride and sulfate), cyanide, phenol.
BOC Sciences performs professional wet chemistry analyses to identify and quantify the chemical composition and properties of non-metallic inorganic substances in the environment. Our environmental consultants ensure that the chemical composition of water and soil in the environment meets regulatory requirements and guidelines.
Types of Samples Supported for Analysis
- Raw water (lakes, streams, ponds, rivers)
- Wastewater (influent and effluent)
- Soil and solids
- Hazardous waste
Wet Chemical Analysis Techniques
We can use different wet chemical analysis techniques for the analysis of non-metallic inorganic components in the environment
- Colorimetric method - used to find the concentration of a chemical element in an environmental sample by using different color reagents
- Titration method - used to determine the amount of inorganic compounds of an unknown solution using a solution of known concentration
- Instrumentation - includes digital meters, colorimeters and photometers, which can be used as electronic equipment for water and soil testing
Figure 1. Schematic P cycle in paddy fields of lowland. (Nanzyo, M.; Kanno, H. 2018)
One-stop Services for Environmental Organic Analysis Testing
Combined with BOC Sciences' state-of-the-art laboratories, our teams can use a wide range of wet chemical analysis methodologies to ensure that soils, environmental wastes, drinking water, wastewater, groundwater and seawater are safe for people, animals and the environment.
Environmental Nutrient Testing
In recent years, nutrients containing elements such as nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium have been identified as a significant issues causing serious environmental pollution. Excess nutrients entering lakes, rivers and soils fuel the growth of algae, bacteria and other microorganisms. When water bodies contain excess nutrients, the death and decomposition of algae can reduce dissolved oxygen, suffocating fish and other aquatic organisms. In addition, some forms of algae may produce toxins that can be harmful if ingested by humans and animals. Therefore, it is important to test for these nutrients, such as nitrate, nitrite and phosphate to ensure that their levels remain safe for the animal body.
- BOC Sciences has developed a wet chemical analytical method to measure total nitrogen in water and soil using alkaline persulfate digestion combined with a nitrate reductase assay
- Wet chemistry techniques such as colorimetric, titrimetric and potentiometric methods are our specialty, and we specialize in using Kjeldahl nitrogen method to quantify and analyze ammonia and ammonium in a variety of samples such as wastewater, soil and other materials
- BOC Sciences offers a comprehensive 'environmental phosphorus testing' service, where our chemists use colorimetric methods to quickly and easily measure phosphorus in a variety of matrices
Dissolved Oxygen (DO) Testing
Dissolved oxygen refers to the saturation level of oxygen in water. Fish and plants in water rely on certain levels of dissolved oxygen to survive, so measuring dissolved oxygen levels is an important indicator for industries such as environmental water quality systems and aquatic ecosystems. In the environmental monitoring and analysis industry, testing dissolved oxygen in water can be achieved by many wet chemical analysis techniques such as titrimetric, optical dissolved oxygen and colorimetric methods. BOC Sciences uses the Winkler method for titrimetric analysis of environmental water samples, our optical dissolved oxygen method provides continuous dissolved oxygen measurements. In addition, we primarily employ the Indocarmine method and the Rhodazin D colorimetric method.
Free Chlorine & Total Chlorine Determination
Chlorine is widely used to disinfect water before it is discharged into the distribution system. To ensure that the water is adequately treated throughout the distribution system, excess chlorine is often added. However, when chlorine is introduced into the water, it can react with iron, manganese or hydrogen sulfide components in the pipes. In addition, excess chlorine in water can react with many organic substances to form potentially carcinogenic trihalomethanes (THMs), therefore careful monitoring of total chlorine levels in drinking water systems can avoid adverse health risks. At BOC Sciences, we use the DPD ((N,N-diethyl-p-phenylenediamine)) colorimetric method, DPD titration, iodide titration and amperometric titration methods to measure free and total chlorine in drinking water and other environmental water, which are suitable for laboratory and field testing.
Total Sulfides Determination
Sulfides are usually found in groundwater, especially in hot springs. Total sulfides in water and wastewater include dissolved sulfides as well as suspended acid-soluble metal sulfides. Gaseous hydrogen sulfide is highly toxic to humans; dissolved sulfides are toxic to fish and other aquatic organisms. In addition, sulfides may form highly corrosive sulfuric acid that can erode concrete sewer pipes. In order to determine the presence of contamination in environmental waters, BOC Sciences has developed detection techniques based on colorimetric and UV spectrophotometric methods to test total sulfide in industrial wastewater containing sulfide.
Reference
- Nanzyo, M.; Kanno, H. Inorganic Constituents in Soil: Basics and Visuals. Inorganic Constituents in Soil. 2018. 97-131.