Measurement Testing

Mjr · Site Admin Joined: 13 Jul 2005 Posts: 294

Canadian Government's National Laboratory for Environmental Testing (NLET) delivers a broad range of specialized and accredited analytical laboratory services, including sample characterization, technical consulting, quality management, and laboratory information management systems development, in support of Environment Canada monitoring, assessment and research programs across the country.

Programs are developed to address environmental priorities in the areas of:

* assessments of priority ecosystems
* reduced threats of toxic substances
* reduced impacts of humans on ecosystems
* environmental emergencies
* preservation of biological diversity
* environmental stewardship

The role of NLET within the Environmental Conservation Service of Environment Canada is:

* A national analytical support laboratory capable of providing EC program managers with: a) standardized and fully accredited environmental analysis capability for a wide range of organic and inorganic chemicals, b) unique analytical capabilities used to deliver collaborative projects outside the normal boundaries of the QA framework and usually delivered through MOUs, and c) partnership-based applied research projects such as developing/adapting new methods.
* A centre of expertise for analytical chemistry and quality assurance advice, particularly with regard to low level organic and metals analysis of environmental samples, and the application of quality assurance practices within the environmental analysis community.

The Labs...

Inorganic Analysis Laboratory

The Inorganic Analysis Laboratory (IAL) provides accredited analytical measurements to departmental programs and projects nationally, for a wide variety of inorganic parameters in environmental substrates, including major ions, nutrients and metals. Analytical instrumentation includes automated and robotic systems that utilize spectrophotometry, high resolution and quadruple inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, ion chromatography and other specialized techniques. IAL specializes in high-quality trace and ultra-trace analysis in water, sediment and biota. Technical consulting services are provided to EC clients, including appropriate sampling techniques.

Organic Analysis Laboratory

The Organic Analysis Laboratory (OAL) provides accredited analytical measurements to departmental programs and projects nationally for a wide variety of organic compounds including pesticides, herbicides, industrial chemicals and other organic contaminants in environmental substrates. Analytical instrumentation includes gas and liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometric and other specialized detection systems. All data are handled by means of a single, integrated, computerized data acquisition system. The unit specializes in providing high-quality analysis for trace and ultra-trace concentrations of organic contaminants in water, sediment and biota samples. The unit also provides a specialized analytical measurement capability for unique environmental samples and provides technical consulting services to EC clients.