On-Site Analytical Techniques

QROS utilize a number of analytical techniques depending on the contaminant under investigation and/or the limits of detection required. For the most part we investigate hydrocarbon and heavy metal contaminants and both these normally use fluorescence as a method of detection, either in the ultraviolet (UV) spectrum for hydrocarbons or in the X ray spectrum for heavy metals. Both these techniques have been utilised in labs for some years but have only recently been become reliably available as hand held portable instruments for field use.

 Other analytical techniques employed rely on spectrophotometric determination for a range of different contaminants, Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) for Heavy metals at ppb levels and traditional potentiometric sensors probes for pH.

QROS are also currently working on a novel heated diode system for quantitative analysis of HVOC’s

Use the links above to find out more information each technique or contaminant type.

Typical Contaminants

QROS provide on-site analysis for the following contaminants though we can often adapt or develop methods for other contaminants. Please contact us for details.

Hydrocarbons – Fuels Oils (diesel, petrol, jet fuel, heating oil etc), Heavy Oils, Insulating oils, Lubricating oils etc.

Heavy Metals – Lead (Pb), Zinc (Zn), Copper (Cu), Arsenic (As), Mercury (Hg), Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Chromium (Cr), Selenium (Se) etc.

Ammonia, Chloride, Cyanide, Phenols, Nitrate, Bromide, COD

Chlorinated Solvents

Acidity (pH)

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Performance-Based Measurement System (PBMS)

EPA is actively working to implement the President's program for "reinventing" government and reforming regulatory policy. As part of this program, EPA has been working to break down barriers to using new monitoring techniques.

One barrier that the Office of Resource Conservation and Recovery (ORCR) is tackling is the requirement to use specific measurement methods or technologies in complying with Agency regulations. EPA's environmental monitoring community, members of the regulatory community, and Congress all agree that EPA needs to change the way it specifies monitoring requirements in regulations and permits. There is broad acceptance for use of a performance-based measurement system (PBMS).

Click here for full details