Brooks Applied Labs services

Brooks Applied Labs offers contract method development services for ultra-trace level metals analysis, metals speciation, the analysis of complex sample matrices, and non-routine methodologies. We have worked with industry-sponsored organizations to investigate the applicability of these methods to various complex matrices.

Arsenic is naturally-occurring throughout the environment and also widely used as a preservative for treated wood and as a pesticide in fields where we grow our food. Because of its chemical nature, it is frequently bioavailable and easily absorbed. Accurate and precise measurements of this classified human carcinogen are critical for managing our environment and protecting human health and safety. At Brooks Applied Labs, we have both the innovation and the expertise to provide you with ultra-low arsenic and arsenic speciation for virtually any matrix type. Please contact us to find out which arsenic test is the appropriate method choice for your samples.

Mercury is not very abundant in the planet’s crust; however, even modest increases in the quantity of mercury being introduced into the global environment is a matter of considerable and growing concern. Mercury contamination can threaten the health of humans and wildlife, from industrial sites to the most remote wilderness areas. Mercury is considered a global pollutant since it can affect the environment in areas far removed from the point of its original release.

The experience of Brooks Applied Labs comes into play when arsenic speciation in difficult matrices is to be determined. We have developed a variety of different arsenic testing methods that utilize different chromatographic separation modes. These methods allow us to provide the lowest detection limits to our clients for their toughest samples. For instance, arsenic speciation in a 10,000 ppm Fe, Ca, Al and high sulfate matrix or highly saline samples (up to 3%) can be determined with ppt detection limits.

Chromium (Cr) is a polyvalent element and can exist in several distinct oxidation states, but only trivalent chromium [Cr(III)] and hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] occur with any frequency in the natural environment. The mobility, bioavailability, and toxicity of chromium largely depend on which of these two chemical species is prevalent. The speciation of chromium is determined by the processes that control reduction/oxidation reactions in the environment. As can be seen by the adjacent simplified Pourbaix diagram of chromium species in water, species conversion can occur with only fairly minor changes in pH and Eh.

When investigating mercury contaminated soils at legacy mining and industrial sites, measurements of the concentrations of total mercury in the soil are clearly necessary. However, the best approach to site remediation sometimes requires a fuller understanding of the environmental bioavailability and mobility of the particular mercury compounds found at the site.