GROUNDWATER TESTING
Multiple methods of testing is used to detect different pollutants in Alberta's groundwater. All calibration follows the US EPA standard methods. Learn more about the different testing methods and discover all the major pollutants that are found in our groundwater today.
INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA MASS SPECTROMETRY
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is used to detect the cations in Alberta's groundwater, major cations found in Alberta's groundwater includes calcium, sodium, and magnesium.
GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY
Methane has been found in Alberta's groundwater, it is speculated that the source of the methane is from the plentiful amount of natural gas wells in the province. Gas chromatography is a popular method to detect gas concentrations in water samples.
Gravimetric
Due to the high amount of sulfate in Alberta's groundwater, gravimetric testing method must be used to determine its concentration.
MEMBRANE FILTRATION
Microbiological monitoring and detection are necessary to see if biological treatment is needed. Membrane filtration is the most basic and cost effective methods in determining the number of colonies in a water sample.
ION CHROMATOGRAPHY
Ion chromatography is used to quantify the nitrate and fluoride concentration in Alberta's groundwater. Nitrate and fluoride is safe to consume in low concentrations, but is harmful in high concentrations.
Colourimetry
Colourimetry is used to detect the chloride concentration in the groundwater, similar to nitrate, high concentrations of chloride is a result of human activity.
TITRATION
Titration method is the most popular and well understood method used to determine the concentration of bicarbonates in the groundwater. However, titration is more labor intensive and has a larger margin of error in comparison to other methods.
