The Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory is capable of performing analysis of water, sediments and biota for heavy metals, major ions, nutrients and physical parameters (pH, conductivity, turbidity, etc.). These analyses are performed using techniques such as ICP-MS (inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry), flame and flameless  atomic absorption spectrometry, cold vapor atomic absorption and atomic fluorescence spectrometry, ion chromatography, colorimetric, gravimetric and potentiometric methods. These analyses are used to support compliance, enforcement and legal testing, laboratory audits, method development, quality assurance programs, and various ecosystem research projects.

(Photos of new automated system which can perform multiple analysis such as pH, gran alkalinity, conductivity and color on water samples)

(Photos of Ultratrace mercury (Hg) system which performs analysis of water sample at the parts per trillion levels (ng/L)

The chemistry and toxicology laboratories are fully accredited by the Standards Council of Canada/Canadian Association of Environmental Analytical Laboratories (SCC/CAEAL) for a variety of toxicology, organic, and inorganic parameters. The laboratories participate in Performance Evaluation round robins for these parameters twice a year, and undergo a site evaluation once every two years. The most recent Site Evaluation was in 1997.

In addition, two staff members from the chemistry and toxicology laboratories have been trained as certified auditors, and provide assistance to SCC/CAEAL by participating in Site Audits of private laboratories several times each year.

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