Promoting and protecting the health and safety of all Idahoans
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Environmental Analysis
The Idaho Bureau of Laboratories (IBL) Environmental Analysis Section analyzes samples for chemical and microbiological contamination. This section is comprised of four laboratories: Organics Testing, Inorganics Testing, Environmental Microbiology, and Air Quality. IBL serves as Idaho’s principal state laboratory in accordance with the Safe Drinking Water Act, and the program is certified by the Environmental Protection Agency.
IBL’s Organic Chemistry Laboratory conducts analytical analyses of environmental samples for organic contaminants. Sample matrices for analysis come in many forms: water, soil, sludge, food, paint, vegetation, animal tissue, hazardous waste, and commercial products. Contaminants tested for include insecticides, herbicides, volatile organic contaminants, semi-volatile organic contaminants, and water treatment byproducts.
The Inorganic Chemistry Laboratory performs analytical analyses of environmental samples that are typically related to nutrients and metals. Common matrices include drinking water, soil, and surface water. Inorganic contaminants tested for include arsenic, copper, lead, fluoride, mercury, nitrate, and uranium.
The Environmental Microbiology Laboratory examines drinking water and its sources for the presence of disease-causing organisms. Primary testing for drinking water and surface water samples are for the presence of coliform bacteria and E. coli. The coliform group of bacteria are indicators of potential pathogenic bacteria that can enter a water delivery system. Legionella and Pseudomonas aeruginosa can also be identified by IBL in water, along with the identification of other pathogens.
IBL’s Air Quality Program analyzes air filters utilizing Federal Reference Methods. This program is also responsible for auditing the performance of air samplers throughout the state for Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and tribes within Idaho.
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