Marchwood Scientific Services services

Polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins and polychlorinated dibenzofurans (dioxins and furans) are a family of over 200 chlorinated organic compounds. Dioxins are ubiquitous in the environment at very low levels, and reach humans by intake in food, inhalation and absorption through the skin. It is generally accepted that even in minute amounts these chemicals may cause cancer and birth defects. Dioxins and furans appear as by-products of some chemical processes and from inefficient combustion. Low human exposure guide lines necessitate the use of high resolution GC/MS for the analysis of these compounds. At MSS dioxin analysis is performed using High Resolution Gas Chromatograph Mass Spectrometry GC/MS using United States Environmental Protection Agency Methodologies. Our analytical equipment is the most advanced available.

Marchwood Scientific Services has over 20 years experience in the analysis of samples collected during the monitoring of pollutant releases to atmosphere. The MSS dioxin service provides support for companies engaged in the sampling of stack gases and uses the isokinetic sampling methods USEPA method 23 or BSEN 1948. MSS is accredited by the United Kingdom Accreditation Services (UKAS) for the analysis of samples collected.

In recent years there has been increased concern over the quality of the air we breathe in the outdoor environment and the workplace. This has resulted in a number of new regulations and tighter limits being imposed worldwide.Mss provides a comprehensive analysis service for the measurement of toxic chemicals in ambient and workplace atmospheres and specializes in dioxins and furans, pcbs, pahs and vocs.In order to take representative samples for stack emissions there are a number of factors that need to be taken into account. These include elevated temperatures, and variation in flow rate, moisture content and pressure. For outdoor and indoor air sampling these variations are not encountered with  ambient temperature and static conditions normally prevailing.
 

AOX is a significant parameter which has seen heavy focus in the last decade for industrial effluents. Organohalogen compounds are generally resistant to rapid microbiological breakdown in the environment and exhibit moderate to pronounced toxicities to various species. They consequently represent an increasing environmental hazard as they are widely disseminated through both natural aquatic systems and the atmosphere. Limits for AOX industrial discharge have been set in a number of countries worldwide although there are no presently known UK limits. The recognised test methods employed for AOX are in accordance with the relevant USEPA, BSEN, DIN standards. MSS are able to offer AOX analysis using the latest Coulometric analyser.  MSS are UKAS accredited for the analysis.

Waste minimization and re-use is a topic which is high on the agenda of public and government alike. An increase in a number of waste can now be utilized for power generation, but before these wastes can be used a full range of laboratory tests are required.