Chemical water quality laboratory

The composition of water is analysed in the Water Quality laboratory: groundwater as well as surface water, process water, seawater and interstitial water from sediments. The composition of this water is determined by a large number of factors, such as the chemical interaction between the soil and the sediment and discharges from industrial processes and households.

Research and analysis

We use column studies to research the interaction between sediment, interstitial water and surface water. The focus during these studies is on the pH and redox conditions, which have a major influence on the processes taking place. Stable isotope analysis in organic contaminants is used to confirm that decomposition is taking place. The origin and mixture ratios of water masses can be derived by measuring inorganic stable isotopes or the ratio of rare earth elements. The laboratory also regularly develops new methods to enable the detection of new pollutants and the analysis of the speciation (the distribution of an element amongst defined chemical species in a system).

Commissions

Our analytical methods and expertise are used for the following commissions:

• Release of contaminants from sediment (water boards, central government)
• Analysing groundwater measurement networks of national as well as provincial governments
• Developing methods of analysis for emerging compounds (medicines, organometallic compounds, etc.) (drinking water companies, water boards)
• The effects of intervention in water systems (water boards, central government)
• Demonstrating the in-situ biological decomposition of hydrocarbons (environmental consultancies, contractors)