ALS Environmental are one of a handful of UK laboratories that are supporting the utility sector in analysing samples for the Chemical Investigation Programme (CIP) 2. As part of this programme ALS Environmental have been using pioneering analytical technology and methodology to reach challenging limits of detection in matrices including Surface Waters and Trade Effluents for a broad suite of Organics, Inorganics, Sanitaries and Pharmaceuticals.

Download the ALS Environmental CIP2 Technical Datasheet

The CIP2 programme is being driven in the UK by the requirements of the European Union (EU) Water Framework Directive (WFD). The WFD’s main objective is to increase water quality within the EU. It is measured by various factors including the physical, biological and chemical quality of all ground and surface waters in the EU. The original aim was for all groundwater bodies to be classified as at least ‘good’ by 2015.

Over the past few months, ALS Environmental has successfully begun sampling and analysis for a full range of determinands in support of the CIP2, which will run for a 5 year period up to 2020. We are working in partnership with various Waste Water Treatment Companies to complete the full program of analysis, across a range of matrices.

ALS Environmental were one of the first companies in Europe to take receipt of the brand new Agilent 7010 GC-MSMS, offering unparalleled sensitivity and selectivity; key requirements for analysis of this nature. In working with Anatune, our Principal Scientist (John Quick) has also utilised Gerstel dual rail systems to automate sample prep on various methods, in conjunction with running a GC-MSMS in NCI mode for greater selectivity of compounds containing electronegative compounds. Also in the Organics department, technical senior analyst Sam Towers has employed Thermo Exactives to develop brand new methods for the determination of a comprehensive Pharmaceuticals suite, and a method for the determination of DEHP, Triclosan, and the perfluorinated acids PFOS and PFOA. Control of PFOA blanks was particularly significant, as early development work suggested relatively high background levels could be found within the laboratory, and in the environment.

Christopher Caird, ALS Environmental's Quality Director, who has played a key role in the CIP2 set-up, comments:

The first round of analytical data has been submitted to the CIP Technical Working Group and it was pleasing to receive some very positive feedback from the group in terms of our performance to date. This is testament to all of the hard work from the development and operations teams in setting up and beginning the sampling and analytical programme.

If you have any questions on our CIP2 capabilities our would like to request a quotation please contact us or speak to your Customer Service Co-ordinator on 02476 42 12 13.