Environmental Testing and Analysis Services

Environmental testing and analytical services provide testing of environmental samples such as soil, water, air, and industrial wastes or byproducts. This product area covers soil testing, water testing, air testing, hazardous waste testing and cell testing services. Soil testing may require the analysis of samples from multiple locations and depths. Environmental testing services determine soil acidity and soil alkalinity (pH), as well as levels of plant nutrients such as nitrogen (N), phosphorous (P), and potassium (K). An environmental testing service that handles biological tissues or medical wastes should follow specific procedures for submitting samples to laboratories. Some environmental testing and analytical services specialize in antibiotics, mycotoxins, or indoor air quality (IAQ). Others specialize in the testing and analysis of wastewater, pesticide residues, or feed ingredients.

Environmental testing and analytical services hire trained personnel, belong to trade associations, and obtain accreditation. Typically, an environmental consultant holds a bachelor’s degree or higher in civil engineering or environmental engineering. Degree programs in these disciplines are accredited by ABET, the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Some environmental testing and analytical services are accredited by the American Chemical Society (ACS). Environmental consultants who provide laboratory services and other analytical services can be accredited at the state or federal level by the National Environmental Laboratory Accreditation Program (NELAP).

In the United States, environmental testing and analytical services help wastewater dischargers obtain a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) permit from the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). According to the 1974 Clean Water Act, facilities cannot discharge pollutants from a point source into any water of the United States without an NPDES permit. NPDES permits define limits for the amount and type of discharge. They also establish monitoring and reporting requirements.

The International Standards Organization (ISO) maintains various standards that apply to environmental testing and analytical services. For example, ISO 9096 covers stationary source emissions and the manual determination of mass concentration of particulate matter. ISO Technical Committee 146 establishes standards related to air quality testing. ASTM International, an organization formerly known as the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM), also maintains standards that apply to environmental testing and analytical services, such as ASTM D6954 for plastics that degrade in the environment.

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