• English
    X

    Google Translate Disclaimer

    The Maryland Department of Information Technology (“DoIT”) offers translations of the content through Google Translate. Because Google Translate is an external website, DoIT does not control the quality or accuracy of translated content. All DoIT content is filtered through Google Translate which may result in unexpected and unpredictable degradation of portions of text, images and the general appearance on translated pages. Google Translate may maintain unique privacy and use policies. These policies are not controlled by DoIT and are not associated with DoIT’s privacy and use policies. After selecting a translation option, users will be notified that they are leaving DoIT’s website. Users should consult the original English content on DoIT’s website if there are any questions about the translated content.

    DoIT uses Google Translate to provide language translations of its content. Google Translate is a free, automated service that relies on data and technology to provide its translations. The Google Translate feature is provided for informational purposes only. Translations cannot be guaranteed as exact or without the inclusion of incorrect or inappropriate language. Google Translate is a third-party service and site users will be leaving DoIT to utilize translated content. As such, DoIT does not guarantee and does not accept responsibility for, the accuracy, reliability, or performance of this service nor the limitations provided by this service, such as the inability to translate specific files like PDFs and graphics (e.g. .jpgs, .gifs, etc.).

    DoIT provides Google Translate as an online tool for its users, but DoIT does not directly endorse the website or imply that it is the only solution available to users. All site visitors may choose to use alternate tools for their translation needs. Any individuals or parties that use DoIT content in translated form, whether by Google Translate or by any other translation services, do so at their own risk. DoIT is not liable for any loss or damages arising out of, or issues related to, the use of or reliance on translated content. DoIT assumes no liability for any site visitor’s activities in connection with use of the Google Translate functionality or content.

    The Google Translate service is a means by which DoIT offers translations of content and is meant solely for the convenience of non-English speaking users of the website. The translated content is provided directly and dynamically by Google; DoIT has no direct control over the translated content as it appears using this tool. Therefore, in all contexts, the English content, as directly provided by DoIT is to be held authoritative.

    Maryland Department of Health
    Laboratories Administration

    Nutrients Section

    ​​Purpose

    The NUTRIENT SECTION provides analytical and technical services to determine the suitability of drinking water for human consumption and/or effectiveness of wastewater treatment systems.  Nitrogen and phosphorus testing help to determine the quality of the Bay waters and support the evaluation of the effectiveness of the nutrient reduction strategies used in the Chesapeake Bay recovery efforts.

     
    The Nutrient Section is one of the two laboratories that make up the Inorganics Analytical Laboratory. Nutrient Section analyzes drinking water, wastewater, groundwater, surface water, sediments, sludges and special project samples for compliance monitoring programs in support of federal and State environmental regulations such as SDWA, CWA, and Chesapeake Bay Program.

     

    Instrumentation

    The Nutrient Section uses flow injection analyzers (FIA); Lachat 8000 and 8500 series,
    HACH spectrophotometers,and discrete multi-chemistry analyzers.

    Flow Injection Analyzer​
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Discrete Multi-Chemistry Analyzer

     

    Elements Routinely Analyzed

    The Nutrient Section provides analytical and technical services to determine nitrogen compounds (ammonia, nitrate, nitrite and total nitrogen), phosphate and total phosphorous for the suitability of drinking water for human consumption and/or effectiveness of wastewater treatment systems.  Nitrogen and phosphorus testing help to determine the quality of the Bay waters and support the evaluation of the effectiveness of the nutrient reduction strategies used in the Chesapeake Bay recovery efforts.
     


     

    Potential Health and Environmental Concerns 

    Consumption of water contaminated with a high concentration of nitrate is harmful to small children and pregnant women. High levels of nitrate may cause methemoglobinemia (Blue Baby Syndrome), a condition where the blood is unable to carry enough oxygen to support the cells.
     
    In the environment, excess levels of nitrogen and phosphorus cause algae blooms that block the sunlight, kill the bay grasses and deplete the oxygen in the water when they decompose. This creates “dead zones” where marine life cannot survive
     
    ​​​
    ​​  ​
     

    ​
    ​