Analyses include testing for inorganic pollutants (such as mercury, cyanide, arsenic, cadmium, lead, oil, grease and E-coli) and organic contaminants (such as pesticides, herbicides, polychlorinated biphenyls, algal toxins and volatile organic compounds). The lab also conducts bioassay tests on wastewater effluents and sediments to evaluate the toxic impact on aquatic organisms. The samples come from site-specific monitoring conducted by Ohio EPA field staff.
Through these efforts, Ohio EPA identifies sources of known environmental problems and reveals other pollution that might otherwise go undetected. Ohio EPA can then develop permits and management solutions to achieve environmental benefits in a cost-effective manner. Data provided by the laboratory is also used to monitor progress toward achieving compliance with environmental laws and standards and provides information on what pollution control strategies are most effective.
All drinking water laboratories in Ohio are inspected and certified by Ohio EPA’s lab staff to ensure they have proper equipment and facilities as well as trained staff employing proper analytical techniques. The overall goal is to ensure the safety of water obtained from public water systems.
Finally, lab employees provide training and technical assistance within and outside Ohio EPA regarding analytical methods and sampling requirements.