Full service analytical/ 
environmental laboratory

Water Analysis

Chemistry

Inorganics - Organics
Microbiology
Coliforms - E. coli

Physical 
Residue (solids) - Turbidity

Sampling Services

Organics

 

Volatiles - Pesticides - Herbicides

Petroleum - Solvents 

 

 

MD State Certified Laboratory #133

 

Hours of Operation: Monday - Friday   8:00AM - 4:00PM

Organics, by their very nature, are carbon-containing compounds. The compounds of interest in environmental science are grouped into various categories, based on their use (ex. pesticides), chemical make-up (ex. nitrogenous) or physical properties (ex. volatile). 

The Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC) are a group of easily evaporated chemicals comprised mainly of hydrocarbons and chlorinated hydrocarbons. Among them are fuel components, oxygenates, solvents, paint thinners, metal cleaners, degreasers, propellants, etc. Spills of industrial chemicals, leaking fuel tanks and leachate from landfills may cause groundwater contamination from VOC. Examples of some of the VOCs are the oxygenate (fuel additive) MTBE; the components of gasoline - Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene & Xylenes (abbreviated BTEX) and the solvent Trichloroethene. There are a number of sites throughout MD and the rest of the country which have contaminated groundwater from these pollutants. They are normally removed by the use of Granular Activated Carbon (or GAC).  

 

Pesticides and Herbicides are industrial and agricultural chemicals used to eradicate insects, pests and weeds (or unwanted vegetation). The careless use of these chemicals or spills may contaminate groundwater. Water from wells located near areas of pesticide and/ or herbicide use (or known spills) should be monitored. Monitoring wells are often placed around orchards, gas stations, landfills, industrial sites and other areas where the potential for contamination exist. 
Atrazine and Simazine are two commonly used herbicides; examples of pesticides are Chlordane, Lindane and Methoxychlor which are used in controlling termites and in agriculture. These types of compounds may cause liver or nervous system problems; increased risk of cancer and/ or reproductive difficulties. 

FVAL has several Water Analysis Health Profiles that will identify the presence of these types of compounds in your water.  

 

 

Other chemicals causing environmental concern are industrial chemicals, such as Vinyl Chloride, used in making plastics. Some aerosol propellants are linked to the decimation of the ozone layer. Softeners and plasticizers used in the manufacture of plastics have been under increased scrutiny, as well as chemicals and coatings used for waterproofing and as fire-retardants.

The US EPA has some excellent websites for homeowners:
Information for those who use well water for their water supply:
http://www.epa.gov/safewater/privatewells/whatyoucando.html 
Information on a wide variety of water contaminants: http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/index.html

and information regarding MTBE:

http://www.epa.gov/safewater/contaminants/unregulated/mtbe.html

MCLs of Select Analytes

MCL (mg/L)

 

0.002        

0.003

0.005                

0.002        

0.7             

0.7             

0.0002        

0.04             

0.004                

1

0.003

0.005

0.002
 

 

 

 

 

Analyte            

 

Alachlor

Atrazine

Benzene            

Chlordane

Ethylbenzene

Glyphosate

Lindane            

Methoxychlor          

Simazine      

Toluene

Toxaphene          

Trichloroethene

Vinyl Chloride

                         

 

 

 

Methyl Tertiary Butyl Ether, or MTBE, is an oxygenate - a fuel additive which was added to gasoline to aid in its more complete combustion. Due to its solubility in water, MTBE has been found as a contaminant in many water wells througout the state. Most of this contamination is due to gasoline spills or leaks.

 

 

Although MTBE is not currently regulated, a drinking water advisory has been issued.

See the EPA website for more information.

 

 

Earth Day - Every Day