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Perfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) are a class of synthetic compounds widely used in industrial applications that are characterized by a highly fluorinated hydrophobic linear carbon chain attached to a hydrophilic functional group. PFAS’ are of interest due to their extreme persistence in the environment, ability to bioaccumulate, toxicity potential, and adverse human health effects. Read More

Chemical testing of environmental water samples for nutrients (including phosphorus, ammonia, and other forms of nitrogen) is important due to their potential to cause eutrophication or “over-enrichment” of natural water bodies – often triggered by contamination from phosphate detergents, fertilizers, or sewage. These types of events can lead to algal blooms and aquatic toxicity due to oxygen depletion.  Tests for aggregate organics such as Total or Dissolved Organic Carbon (TOC/DOC) and Chemical Oxygen Demand (COD) are closely related, predicting risk and potential for oxygen depletion of aquatic ecosystems. Read More