Shahla Ameli — Supervisor
Purpose
The GENERAL CHEMISTRY SECTION provides analytical and technical services in the testing of samples for physical and aggregate properties, non-metallic inorganic compounds and organic aggregate constituents to help determine the suitability of drinking water for human consumption, effectiveness of wastewater treatment systems, and the quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary waters. It also analyzes samples suspected of having toxic or hazardous effects. The testing is performed using a variety of state of the art instruments. This section also measures the Biochemical Oxygen Demand and chlorophyll content of water collected from the Chesapeake Bay and its tributaries. The chlorophyll content of water is an important indication of the activity of algae and other organisms whose growth has harmful effects on water and wildlife.
Instrumentation
• Lachat 8000 and 8500 series FIA
• Mantech PC Titrate
• Shimadzu Spectrophotometer
• Shimadzu Spectrofluorophotometer
• Mantech AutoMax BOD Analyzer
• Shimadzu TOC-V Analyzer
• Hach 2100AN Turbidimeter
• Distillation apparatus for phenol
• Spe-Dex 300 for oil and grease
• Exeter CE440 Elemental Analyzer
CE 440 Elemental Analyzer
Mantech Liquid Handler
TOC –V Analyzer
Elements Routinely Analyzed
Tests are performed using a variety of wet chemistry instrumentations. Testing techniques covered in this section include:
Proper measurement techniques, calibration, verification, and troubleshooting strategies for each parameter are addressed and good laboratory practices are emphasized.
Potential Health Concerns and Environmental Concerns
Chemical analyses determine the suitability of drinking water for human consumption, effectiveness of wastewater treatment systems, and the quality of the Chesapeake Bay and its tributary waters. It also analyzes samples suspected of having toxic or hazardous effects
