Dredging support

Much of our analytical work is in support of dredging, remedial investigation, feasibility studies and risk assessment, which, in many cases, require extremely low-level detection limits. In addition to supporting marine and freshwater aquatic sample analyses throughout the United States, our laboratories also possess the necessary permits to accept samples from foreign countries.

ALS has developed and implemented cleanup procedures and method modifications to specifically deal with these types of matrices. We have also developed the expertise necessary to perform complex ultra-trace analyses. These low-level analyses of sediment, tissue and water use advanced specialized instrumentation. This instrumentation includes Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy (ICP/MS), purge and trap cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometry, High-Resolution Gas Chromatography/Mass Spectroscopy (HRGC/MS), and High-Resolution Gas Chromatography/High-Resolution Mass Spectrometry (HRGC/HRMS).

Due to the complexity of analyzing these matrices for low-level constituents, specialized procedures beyond the scope of EPA SW 846, EPA-CLP and other routine methods are often required. Seawater presents no particular challenges when determining organic constituents. However, trace metals analysis in the presence of high dissolved solids requires relatively involved techniques to reach the levels of detection typically required to meet project objectives.

Experience

Since 1986, ALS, has been actively involved in the analysis of water, sediment and tissue supporting investigations of sediments and dredge spoils as administered by the Army Corps of Engineers, the US EPA, Port Authorities, and various other government agencies throughout the US and other countries.