Environmental Testing Laboratories Research Articles

An Overview of Heavy Metals Treatment & Management for Laboratory Waste Liquid (LWL)

The laboratory waste liquid (LWL) is the discarded liquid after the completion of analysis and is produced from environmental testing laboratories including regulatory institutions, colleges, universities and research organizations. This LWL is laden with a variety of heavy metals due to the use of heavy metal salts in analysis and the treatment and safe disposal of LWL is seldom given due consideration. Thus, the management of hazardous laboratory waste liquid (HLWL) containing heavy metals is essential at the source itself. Accordingly, this article presents systematic review of three processes for heavy metals removal viz. precipitation, adsorption, and membrane separation. The review covers various factors such as heavy metal removal efficiencies & concentration ranges, optimum pH, most frequently studied method, less studied aspects, its commercial availability, operational ease, and the potential of risk minimization with due concern to toxic heavy metals. The concentrations of heavy metals in LWL is also presented. Based on the review, activated carbon (AC) adsorption appears to be the best option for LWL having heavy metals concentration of less than 10mg/L. The heavy metals removal efficiency of more than 95% can be achieved at AC dose of 0.2 to 1g/L. The hydroxide precipitation was found to achieve more than 95% removal efficiencies at higher heavy metals concentrations. Thus, for concentrations higher than 10mg/L up to 3000mg/L, the hydroxide precipitation followed by activated carbon adsorption may prove beneficial.

Peran Pemerintah Dalam Pengawasan Keselamatan dan Kesehatan Kerja Dinas Tenaga Kerja dan Transmigrasi Provinsi Jawa Timur (K3) Kepada Para Pekerja di Lingkungan Tempat Kerja

The Supervisor of the East Java Province Manpower and Transmigration service has a role in ensuring occupational safety and health in his area. One of its roles is to facilitate services in the field of work safety, organize monitoring efforts for workers and the community, as well as medical laboratory services and environmental testing laboratories. The aim of this research is to determine the role of the East Java Province Manpower and Transmigration Service in carrying out in-depth occupational safety and health supervision of entrepreneurs/companies in the workplace environment. The research uses a qualitative research method with a descriptive approach. In this research, the data sources used to complete the writing are primary data sources and secondary data sources. So the data analysis in this research is based on 3 (three) Government roles in monitoring occupational safety and health namely Regulator, Dynamisator, Facilitator. The results of the research show that the role ofthe government of the East Java Manpower and Transmigration Service has not been carried out optimally because the government lacks direct attention to see the obstacles experienced by workers, both in terms of guidance and training, as well as facilities and infrastructure which are not distributed evenly

Improving drinking water quality through proficiency testing-the impact of testing method and accreditation status on Escherichia coli detection by Canadian environmental testing laboratories.

Water quality testing is crucial for protecting public health, especially considering the number of boil water advisories annually issued across Canada that impact daily life for residents in affected areas. To overcome these challenges, the development of drinking water safety plans and accessibility to regular testing using simple, rapid, and accurate materials are necessary. However, the significance of monitoring the accuracy of environmental microbiology testing laboratories cannot be overlooked. Participation in external quality assessment programs, such as those that include proficiency testing (PT), is a necessary risk management resource that ensures the effectiveness of these testing processes. Proficiency Testing Canada (PTC), in collaboration with the Canadian Microbiological Proficiency Testing (CMPT) program based at the University of British Columbia, have implemented a drinking-water microbiology PT program since 1996. Both PTC and CMPT are ISO/IEC 17043:2010-accredited EQA providers. The drinking water program provided PT challenges to subscribing testing laboratories twice per year. Each challenge consisted of four samples containing unknown concentrations of Escherichia coli (E. coli) and Enterobacter spp. Results from participants were assessed for accuracy based on the method of testing. This cross-sectional study evaluated 150 rural and metropolitan testing sites across Canada between 2016 and 2022. Multivariable logistic regression analysis was conducted to examine the impact of different testing methods and laboratory accreditation status on the proficiency scores. This approach enabled us to assess the association between multiple independent variables and the likelihood of achieving specific proficiency scores, providing insights into how testing methods and accreditation status affect overall performance. After adjusting for rural residence, testing time, and survey year, the membrane filtration method was positively associated with the likelihood of scoring satisfactory results compared to the enzyme-substrate method (OR: 1.75; CI: 1.37-2.24), as well as accreditation status (OR: 1.47; CI: 1.16-1.85). The potential for improvement in environmental laboratory testing performance through the implementation of regulated PT in drinking water safety plans is proposed, along with the need for reliable testing methods applicable to rapid drinking water microbiology testing.

Analisis Faktor-Faktor Yang Memengaruhi Perkembangan Embrio Ikan Nilem (Osteochilus Vittatus Valenciennes, 1842)

Knowledge related to Bonylip Barb (Osteochilus vittatus Valenciennes, 1842) embryo development is essential as a first step to developing a suitable fish hatchery method to support higher egg quality and quantity, thus increasing fry production. The purpose of the observation is to study and provide information on the development of bonylip barb fish embryos, which has been limited to academics and the public until now. Observations were carried out in April 2023 at the Muntilan Fish Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory, Central Java. Bonylip Barb embryo development takes 23 hours and 11 minutes after fertilization. This process is influenced by factors that limit the embryo's development until hatching.

Novel fast pesticides extraction (FaPEx) strategy coupled with UHPLC-MS/MS for rapid monitoring of emerging pollutant fipronil and its metabolite in food and environmental samples

In this work, we demonstrated a new, environmental-friendly and effective sample preparation strategy named ‘in-syringe-assisted fast pesticides extraction (FaPEx)’ technique coupled with LC-MS/MS for the rapid identification and monitoring of emerging pollutant fipronil and its metabolite fipronil sulfone in chicken egg and environmental soil samples. FaPEx strategy comprising of two simple steps. Firstly, the sample was placed in the syringe and extracted using low-volume acetonitrile with NaCl and anhydrous MgSO4 salts. Secondly, the extractant was passed through in-syringe-based solid-phase extraction (SPE) kit containing cleanup sorbents and salt combinations (C18, primary secondary amine, and anhydrous MgSO4) for the cleanup process. Then, the obtained clean extractant was injected into LC-MS/MS for the quantification of target analytes. Various important parameters influencing the FaPEx performances, such as solvent type, salt type, salt amount, sorbent type, and amount, were examined and optimized. The method validation results showed excellent linearity with high correlation coefficients were ≥ 0.99. The estimated LODs were between 0.05–0.07 μg/kg, and LOQs ranged between 0.1–0.25 μg/kg for target analytes in both egg and soil sample matrices, and precision values were ≤7.90%. The developed method was applied to commercial chicken egg samples and environmental soil samples analysis. Spiked recoveries ranged between 88.75–110.91% for egg samples with RSDs ≤7.42% and 82.47–107.46% for soil samples with RSDs <7.37%. These results proved that the developed sample preparation method is a simple, fast, green, low-cost, and efficient method for the analysis of fipronil and its metabolites in food and environmental samples. Thus, this method can be applied as an alternative analytical methodology in routine and standard food and environmental testing laboratories.

Rapid Diagnostic Testing for Response to the Monkeypox Outbreak - Laboratory Response Network, United States, May 17-June 30, 2022.

As part of public health preparedness for infectious disease threats, CDC collaborates with other U.S. public health officials to ensure that the Laboratory Response Network (LRN) has diagnostic tools to detect Orthopoxviruses, the genus that includes Variola virus, the causative agent of smallpox. LRN is a network of state and local public health, federal, U.S. Department of Defense (DOD), veterinary, food, and environmental testing laboratories. CDC developed, and the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) granted 510(k) clearance* for the Non-variola Orthopoxvirus Real-time PCR Primer and Probe Set (non-variola Orthopoxvirus [NVO] assay), a polymerase chain reaction (PCR) diagnostic test to detect NVO. On May 17, 2022, CDC was contacted by the Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) regarding a suspected case of monkeypox, a disease caused by the Orthopoxvirus Monkeypox virus. Specimens were collected and tested by the Massachusetts DPH public health laboratory with LRN testing capability using the NVO assay. Nationwide, 68 LRN laboratories had capacity to test approximately 8,000 NVO tests per week during June. During May 17-June 30, LRN laboratories tested 2,009 specimens from suspected monkeypox cases. Among those, 730 (36.3%) specimens from 395 patients were positive for NVO. NVO-positive specimens from 159 persons were confirmed by CDC to be monkeypox; final characterization is pending for 236. Prompt identification of persons with infection allowed rapid response to the outbreak, including isolation and treatment of patients, administration of vaccines, and other public health action. To further facilitate access to testing and increase convenience for providers and patients by using existing provider-laboratory relationships, CDC and LRN are supporting five large commercial laboratories with a national footprint (Aegis Science, LabCorp, Mayo Clinic Laboratories, Quest Diagnostics, and Sonic Healthcare) to establish NVO testing capacity of 10,000 specimens per week per laboratory. On July 6, 2022, the first commercial laboratory began accepting specimens for NVO testing based on clinician orders.

Comparative Assessment of Physico-Chemical Results of Air, Water and Soil Samples Tested at Accredited and Non-accredited Laboratories

There are thousands of results produced by the environmental testing laboratory for the air, water and soil parameters. The results produced by the environmental testing laboratories are always basis of the policy decision on various occasions. The results produced by the environmental testing laboratory provide the basis for the water whether it is fit for drinking purposes or not. The soil of a particular area is fit for specific agriculture or not. Similarly, the air of a specific location is under the permissible limit of the required component or not. Over some time the environmental testing laboratories are increasing in our county and these laboratories can be segregated broadly into two categories namely accredited laboratories and non-accredited laboratories. The accreditation is done by the independent authoritative body as per the international standard ISO/IEC 17025. It is believed that the accredited laboratory has a quality management system and proven technical competence to perform a specific type of testing. This work presents the comparative studies of the physico-chemical results of air, water and soil samples tested by accredited and non-accredited laboratories. In case of soil, the pH and sulfate is tested by the accredited and non-accredited laboratories in the specific environment. Similarly, construction water and drinking water are tested for various parameters as per the relevant standard. The air samples were collected from the same site and analysis was done for the various parameters like PM2.5, PM10 and other toxic gases present in air. It is observed that there is a considerable difference between the results produced by the accredited and non-accredited laboratories. It is believed that the results produced by the accredited laboratory are more reliable in comparison to the non-accredited laboratory.

Study of hanging valley in loess-paleosoil sediments with soil erosion assessment using nuclear and erosion potential methods

This paper is dealing with soil erosion assessment using two different approaches: nuclear model and erosion potential method, also known as Gavrilovic's method. Complex valley systems on Titel Loess Plateau were selected for investigation. Radiocaesium is favored in many studies as an optimal erosion tracer due to its relatively long half-life, negligible renewal in the environment and strongly binding ability onto soil particles. The use of gamma-spectrometry in environmental testing laboratories acts as a precise and fast measurement technique for determination of 137Cs activity concentrations, without the need for complicate preparation of samples. Annual erosion and deposition rates were estimated according to three conversion models for uncultivated land: the profile distribution model with two years of dominant fallout of 137Cs (1963 and 1986) and the diffusion and migration model using WALLING software. The applied nuclear models were validated by comparison with erosion potential model which is the most relevant empirical model for erosion processes in torrent valleys. The obtained results indicate a good agreement with overall low values of average annual soil erosion rates on all soil profiles in the investigated area. Correlation analysis has determined the different influence of slope, terrain curvature, and vegetation index on the erosion models.

Analysis on the Generation and Disposal of Hazardous Waste in Environmental Testing Laboratory

Analysis on the Generation and Disposal of Hazardous Waste in Environmental Testing Laboratory

環境試験室に向けた直接膨張方式の検討 第２報 制御方法の考案

環境試験室に向けた直接膨張方式の検討 第２報 制御方法の考案

Analysis of the Results from On-site Assessment of Environmental Testing and Inspection Laboratories

Analysis of the Results from On-site Assessment of Environmental Testing and Inspection Laboratories

A Study on the on-site Assessment Results of Environmental Testing Laboratories

A Study on the on-site Assessment Results of Environmental Testing Laboratories

Evaluation of High-level Disinfection Processes for Linear Endoscopic Ultrasound Scopes Following New Delhi Metallo-beta-lactamase Carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae bacteremia

BACKGROUND A patient with New Delhi metallo-beta-lactamase (NDM) carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) bacteremia was readmitted four days following a procedure with a linear endoscopic ultrasound scope (EUS) and duodenoscope. Prior outbreaks of CRE have been linked to the elevator mechanism in duodenoscopes. An elevator mechanism is also present in linear EUS and contributes to the complexity of cleaning and disinfection. However, EUS are not included in the FDA supplemental measures for duodenoscope reprocessing. This study aims to evaluate need for standardized cleaning and disinfection recommendations for all endoscopes with an elevator mechanism. METHODS High level disinfection (HLD) processes were evaluated via direct observation and culturing endoscopes used on the index patient. The EUS and duodenoscope were sequestered following the isolation of CRE and reprocessed prior to culture. FDA guidance for duodenoscope surveillance culturing was followed. Cultures were processed by a certified environmental testing laboratory. RESULTS Direct observation revealed differences in reprocessing frequency between duodenoscopes and EUS. Duodenoscopes underwent manual cleaning and HLD both immediately after and prior to patient use. EUS were reprocessed after use, but not immediately prior to next use. Culture results revealed no growth for the duodenoscope. The EUS grew 48 colony forming units (CFUs) of Neisseria species and 113 CFU of Rothia aeria. The EUS was reprocessed and resampled, which resulted in 1 CFU of Pseudomonas stutzeri. The EUS scope was submitted to the manufacturer for evaluation. To date, no additional case of NDM-CRE has been identified. CONCLUSIONS The elevator mechanism in linear EUS may be a source of bacterial contamination and recent EUS use should be evaluated when investigating CRE. This study demonstrates the need for standardized HLD processes for all endoscopes with elevator mechanisms. Collaboration between Gastroenterology departments and Infection Prevention is crucial to patient safety.

Rapid screening of opioids in seized street drugs using ambient ionization high resolution time-of-flight mass spectrometry

Synthetic opioids, including fentanyl and fentanyl analogs, pose a continuing threat to public health and safety, and as such are of great interest to the forensic community. In this study, Direct Sample Analysis Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry (DSA-TOF-MS) is evaluated to provide rapid identification of eighteen opioids including several fentanyl analogs. In-source collision-induced dissociation (CID) is performed to generate additional compound specific fragmentation. Precursor ion and two additional fragment ions were selected for each analyte for positive identification. In 80 out of 81 seized drug samples provided by the State of Maine Health and Environmental Testing Laboratory, DSA-TOFMS was in agreement with results from traditional GC-MS analysis, demonstrating its utility in forensic laboratories. In one case, furanyl fentanyl was identified in a seized drug sample with a mass accuracy of −0.593 ppm using the developed DSA-TOFMS method. Sample data was later compared to a certified reference material for confirmation.

User-Based Photometer Analysis of Effluent from Advanced Nitrogen-Removal Onsite Wastewater Treatment Systems

Advanced nitrogen-removal onsite wastewater treatment systems (OWTS) are used to reduce total nitrogen (N) levels in domestic wastewater. Maintaining system performance requires regular monitoring and in situ rapid tests can provide an inexpensive option for assessing treatment performance. We used a portable photometer to measure ammonium and nitrate concentrations in final effluent from 46 advanced N-removal OWTS, sampling each site at least three times in 2017. To assess photometer accuracy, we compared measurements made using the photometer with those determined by standard laboratory methods using linear regression analysis and a two-tailed t test to compare regression parameters to those for a perfect linear relationship (slope = 1, intercept = 0). Our results show that photometer-based analysis reliably estimates inorganic N (ammonium and nitrate) concentration in field and laboratory settings. Photometer-based analysis of the sum of inorganic N species also consistently approximated the total N concentration in the final effluent from the systems. A cost-benefit analysis indicated that the photometer is a more cost-effective option than having samples analyzed by commercial environmental testing laboratories after analysis of 8 to 33 samples. A portable photometer can be used to provide reliable, cost-effective measurements of ammonium and nitrate concentrations, and estimates of total N levels in advanced N-removal OWTS effluent. This method can be a viable tool for triaging system performance in the field, helping to identify systems that are not functioning properly and may need to be adjusted or repaired by an operation and maintenance service provider in order to meet treatment standards.

Effects of recorded water sounds on intrusive traffic noise perception under three indoor temperatures

The effects of indoor water sounds on traffic noise perception were investigated under three room temperatures of 18 °C, 24 °C, and 30 °C through listening experiments with 54 participants. Two types and four levels of water sounds (35, 40, 45, and 50 dBA) were presented with four levels of traffic noise (45, 50, 55, and 60 dBA) in an indoor environmental test laboratory. Water sounds were recorded using a simple indoor fountain comprising a submersible pump and two types of nozzles (foam-jet and mushroom), which generated different water sound spectra. The listeners assessed the thermal and acoustic environments on eleven adjective attributes, representing negative acoustic attributes, positive acoustic attributes, acoustic comfort, thermal comfort, and overall comfort. The results showed that indoor water sounds enhanced pleasantness, calmness, and naturalness without increment of noisiness, loudness, or annoyance in the 30 °C condition, while no perceptual improvement of traffic noise was found in the 18 °C and 24 °C conditions. Room temperature affected both thermal perception and acoustic perception. Water sounds affected not only acoustic perception, but also thermal and overall indoor environmental comfort. A just noticeable water sound level was preferred to mitigate intrusive traffic noise perceptually in a room. The noise perceived in a room should be described by both negative and positive adjectives together, in order to evaluate the effects of indoor environment, such as water sounds and temperature, on noise perception.

Trace elements and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in road gully sediments from different land uses, Hong Kong

This study investigated the concentrations of cadmium (Cd), chromium (Cr), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), nickel (Ni), zinc (Zn), and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in sediments collected from gully pots for road drainage in Hong Kong. The presence and intensity of anthropogenic contamination of road gully sediments were assessed. Identifications of potential sources of trace elements and PAHs were performed to help understand the situation for future control of pollution to the land and aquatic environments. Gully sediment samples were collected from gully pots of 18 roads that are potentially exposed to different pollution sources in Hong Kong. The selection of roads considered different road features, adjacent land uses, and traffic volumes. Composite samples were collected for the analysis of trace elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Pb, Ni, and Zn) and PAHs by an accredited environmental testing laboratory. Geo-accumulation index (Igeo), contamination factor (Cf), modified degree of contamination (mCd), ecological risk factor (Er), and pollution load index (PLI) were used to assess the level of ecological risk of trace element contamination. Positive matrix factorization (PMF) and PAH diagnostic ratios were applied to identify the sources of trace elements and PAHs. Elevated trace element concentrations were commonly found in gully sediments. The concentrations of Zn (267–3700 mg kg−1) were the highest compared to the other trace elements. Noticeable high concentrations of Cu (27–1020 mg kg−1), Pb (21–332 mg kg−1), and Cr (14–439 mg kg−1) were found in all samples. The PAH contents were moderate to high (0.6 to 24.7 mg kg−1). Commercial/industrial emissions and road features that cause frequent acceleration-deceleration and turning events showed important influences on the contaminant levels. Strong correlations between the concentrations of Cd, Cr, Pb, and Zn were identified, implying that these trace elements are likely from common sources. The contamination assessment indices reflect significant sediment pollution. The ecological risk ranges from the considerable/moderate-risk class to over the high-risk class. The collected gully sediments are identified as highly contaminated and need to be isolated from the environment upon final disposal. Through the comprehensive analysis of the collected data, this study provides a detailed insight into the contaminant levels of road gully sediments and potential sources of contamination. Disposal of gully sediments and potential impacts due to release of contaminants into the downstream aquatic environment during rainstorm events should receive attention and need further investigation.

Measuring and Testing the Parameters of a Battery Pack Designed for Powering Unmanned Aircraft Systems at Various Temperatures

Abstract This paper describes results of tests dedicated to studying – in simulated environmental conditions – operation of a battery pack designed for powering unmanned aircraft systems. In particular, the tests concerned determining the electrical parameters of battery packs, with and without radiators, during their operation in changing environmental conditions and resistance to large temperature fluctuations. Amicell, a high density lithium polymer battery manufactured by the Israeli Amit Industries ltd., was selected for testing. The test results present characteristics of the batteries tested in different temperatures and allow for designing and trying out proper battery protections against environmental conditions, with the intention to attain continuous and correct operation. The tests have been carried out in the accredited Environmental Test Laboratory which is part of the Department of Avionics of the Institute of Aviation in Poland.

Factors Affecting Mehlich III Soil Test Methodology for Extractable P

ABSTRACTAgronomic and environmental testing laboratories in Texas and elsewhere have adopted Mehlich III (M3) as their official soil test phosphorus (P) methodology. However, M3-P data could be skewed due to non-homogenous soil samples or failure to follow standard protocol which could influence recommendations or restrictions. Twelve agricultural soils with a wide range of properties were collected from across Texas. Exhaustive efforts via multiple methods were made to prepare homogeneous representative soil samples. The standard M3 protocol selected was a 2 g weighed soil sample placed in a 148 ml disposable plastic cup, using a 1:10 soil:M3 solution ratio, shaken on a 200 rpm orbital shaker with a 2.5 cm throw for exactly 5 min, and filtered through Whatman No. 2 filter paper. The standard protocol was compared with nine different protocol variations with variables including soil weighing versus scooping, scooping repeatability of different technicians, soil sample weight, shaking type, speed and time, different filter papers, and varying soil:extractant ratios. Extent of soil pulverization on M3-P results was also evaluated. Tests were performed in four replications for all protocols to assess effects on M3-extractable soil P. Percent recovery of soil during grinding had no effect on M3-extractable P. Little difference in M3-extractable P was observed between scooping and weighing of 2 g soil samples. Shaker type had no effect on extractable P in soils with low clay contents, however, increasing shaking speed and using an orbital shaker resulted in higher extractable P, especially in clayey soils. Both Whatman No. 1 and 2 filter papers were found suitable for M3-P analyses. Different soil:extractant ratios resulted in a highly significant influence on the amount of M3-P extracted. However, when ratios were maintained between 1:9 and 1:11, few differences in extractable P were observed. Using sample weights below 3 g did not significantly alter precision or accuracy of results. However, technician variation in scooping of 2 or 5 g soil samples resulted in significant differences in M3-P.

The kids are alright: University of Maryland’s hyperloop team

The University of Maryland’s UMDLOOP team presented their successes and goals at the November 3, 2017 gathering of the IEEE EMC Society’s Washington DC/Northern Virginia Chapter held at Washington Laboratories Environmental Test Laboratory. The A. James Clark School of Engineering is, for the third year, facilitating the development of a concept vehicle for the SpaceX Hyperloop transportation mode.