Services
The Analytical Sciences Laboratory (ASL) offers over 200 different tests and analyzes nearly 20,000 samples per year for a broad spectrum of target compounds in a wide variety of matrices.
ASL uses analytical methods developed by EPA, AOAC, APHA/AWWA, FDA, American Society of Agronomy Methods of Soil Analysis, Western Region Reference Methods, and other organizations that establish, corroborate and approve analytical procedures. Some methods have been developed within ASL and are validated to ensure they meet appropriate recovery, accuracy and precision standards for a wide variety of matrices. In general, these methods have been published and subjected to peer review.
Supporting the activities of university scientists, Extension, veterinarians, as well as state and regional agencies, ASL has five analytical services: Water Quality, Soil Chemical and Physical Analyses, Plant Chemical Analyses, Environmental Monitoring and Veterinary Diagnostic Toxicology.
Water Quality testing includes methods in the EPA 100, 200, 300, 500 and 8000 series, among others. In addition, our advanced instrumentation and senior scientists allow ASL to develop and validate analytical methods in support of many unique research projects.
The Soil Analysis lab processes approximately 2,500 samples each year in support of university research and soil fertility testing for homeowners. ASL also offers soil testing for compliance with NRCS Nutrient Management Planning.
ASL provides a broad range of analytical services in the area of Plant Analyses, including pesticide residues, macro- and micronutrient composition, and heavy metal analysis.
The Environmental Monitoring Service performs a full range of regulatory and research grade methods of analysis for heavy metals, trace hazardous chemicals and pesticides in a great variety of matrices. Among its testing procedures, the laboratory offers a full complement of the EPA SW-846 hazardous waste analytical method series.
The Veterinary Diagnostic Toxicology Service is the primary toxicology laboratory for Idaho and Washington. A full range of veterinary toxicology tests are provided to veterinarians, wildlife workers, law enforcement agencies and university researchers. The clinical history and test results are reviewed at ASL by a consulting DVM/Ph.D. veterinary toxicologist for diagnostic interpretation. Over 100 veterinary diagnostic toxicology cases per month are handled at ASL.
The laboratory has provided project support and method development for Idaho agencies such as the Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ), Department of Agriculture (ISDA), Department of Fish and Game (IDFG) and for the Kootenai Tribe. The laboratory has also conducted studies for registration of minor use pesticides under full Good Laboratory Practices (GLPs, 40 CFR Part 160) for the USDA/EPA, IR-4 (Interregional Research Project No.4).
ASL has analytical expertise in areas as diverse as site restoration, environmental monitoring and risk assessment, involving projects such as:
- pesticides in groundwater
- selenium risk assessment
- heavy metals in indicator species
- chlorophyll monitoring in river fertilization studies
- bioactive compounds and antioxidants in fruits