Science > Water Chemistry Laboratory Services

Water Chemistry Laboratory Services

Study Leader: Linda Irwin
Linda.Irwin@NRCan.gc.ca

Study Description:

Scientists at the Canadian Forest Service (CFS) along with others in the USA and Europe are studying the effects of pollutants on forests. The CFS studies are carried out under the Climate Change Program, formerly the Long Range Transport of Atmospheric Pollution (LRTAP) Program with the support of Environment Canada.

Biological and chemical investigations have been ongoing. Monitoring the impact of Sulphate and Nitrate emissions on terrestrial ecosystems is seriously being addressed.

The Water Chemistry Laboratory is divided between two Network Programs. (Forest Health and Forest Ecosystem Processes) The Laboratory is responsible for providing "Quality Data" to several clients that submit water samples for chemical analyses.

The Long Range Transport of Atmospheric Pollutants Program was established in Sault Ste. Marie in 1979. The Water Chemistry Laboratory was set up in Sault Ste. Marie due to its proximity to the Turkey Lake Watershed Experimental Area, but takes part nationally, by having many federal agencies involved. (NRCan Canadian Forest Service, (Canadian Centre for Inland Waters) CC.IW, (Canadian Wildlife Service) CWS, (Department of Fisheries and Oceans) DFO, (Atmospheric Environment Service) AES) Analyses are done for these agencies without financial reimbursement, as long as they are part of the share cost agreement (NRCan Canadian Forest Service, CCI. and DFO)

All other clients submit water samples and pay for services rendered, by an in-place "fee structure," where monies collected alleviates some laboratory operational costs. Water sample analyses are performed for other researchers at the centre (NRCan Canadian Forest Service), as well as the provincial government.

Quality Control and Quality Assurance Programs are adhered to, in order to justify the data produced. Approximately eight thousand water samples are analysed annually, for up to twenty four parameters.

The Water Chemistry Data generated is used by the various clients to produce scientific papers in the realm of research that they are investigating.