Water Testing
James Hutton Institute Scientific Services is equipped to carry out chemical and biological analyses of water, wastewater, natural water, brines and produced waters from households, industry and the environment.
Techniques include pH, nutrients and contaminants to help assess water quality and ensure compliance with environmental standards, crucial for public health and ecosystem protection.
Water Testing Services we offer
Metal Analysis:
ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy): Used for detecting metals from macro to trace levels. This is a highly sensitive technique capable of analyzing multiple elements simultaneously.
ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry): Offers even more sensitive detection for trace metals.
Chromium VI: A specific concern in environmental testing due to its toxicity.
Bacterial and Microbiological Testing:
Culturing and Phenotypic Analysis: These traditional methods involve growing bacterial cultures and identifying them based on their physical characteristics.
Most Probable Number (MPN): A statistical method used to estimate the concentration of viable microorganisms in a sample.
Quantitative PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction): A molecular technique that amplifies DNA to identify specific bacterial DNA markers. This method is more sensitive and faster than traditional culturing techniques, providing results with higher accuracy.
Andy Kindness, Science Group Leader
We stand out from other companies in the range of techniques we can integrate and the collaborative approach our scientists take.
Chromatographic Techniques:
GC-MS (Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry): A powerful method used to analyze volatile organic compounds (VOCs) and semi-volatile compounds.
LC-MS/MS (Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry/Mass Spectrometry): Used for the analysis of more complex or non-volatile organic compounds, including pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and other contaminants.
Standard Water Testing – pH:
Conductivity: A quick indication of dissolved solids water, which can provide information on the water’s overall quality.
Chloride, Sulphate, Nitrate, Nitrite: Key indicators of the water’s ion balance, and can also serve as indirect indicators of contamination (e.g., from industrial discharges, fertilizers).
TOC (Total Organic Carbon): Measures the amount of organic matter in water, which can provide insight into potential for microbial growth or contamination.
TN (Total Nitrogen): An important parameter for assessing nutrient levels in water, particularly for understanding eutrophication risks.
Ammonium and Phosphate: Commonly tested in wastewater and natural water bodies for nutrient management and pollution monitoring.
Free Cyanide: Cyanide can be highly toxic, and its presence in water is a key concern in industrial wastewater treatment.
Wastewater Testing:
COD (Chemical Oxygen Demand): Measures the amount of oxygen required to oxidize organic material in the water. It is an important parameter for wastewater treatment.
BOD (Biochemical Oxygen Demand): Measures the oxygen consumed by microorganisms in the water used to assess the pollution load.
Suspended and Dissolved Solids: Indicates the level of particulates and dissolved substances in wastewater.
Isotope Testing:
Light isotopes: Carbon isotopes of dissolved inorganic carbon (DIC) in both fresh and saline waters, and Carbon isotopes of dissolved organic carbon (DOC) in fresh waters.
Strontium isotopes: Uses 87Sr/86Sr for monitoring produced waters and investigating water allocation and connectivity.
Contact for more information
Gareth Newman
Service Delivery Manager
Based in Aberdeen
T: +44 (0)344 928 5428 (*)
Gareth has worked for the Institute since 1995 as head of Inorganic analysis within the analytical section specialising in the following analytical techniques:
- Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES)
- Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectroscopy (ICP-MS)
- Ion Chromatography (IC)
- Colourimetric analysis
- Total Organic Carbon
Gareth is also the Quality Manager for the ISO17025 Quality Management System for the Analytical Group and the Quality Manager for the ISO9001 Quality Management System for the Institute. Gareth is an IRCA trained lead auditor.
