Testing of Surface, Groundwater, and Wastewater
Water is the fundamental prerequisite for the life of all living beings. Therefore, preserving its natural characteristics and proper chemical composition is both an ecological and legal obligation for all of us. The quality of the water we use is reflected in the physical, chemical, and biological properties of water in rivers and lakes. Changes in these properties directly alter the nature of water itself.
The Laboratory for Water, Soil, and Waste within the Institute for Protection and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska is authorized to test surface, groundwater, and wastewater. We hold accreditation from the relevant ministry – the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Water Management.
We are authorized to conduct testing for the following parameters in water:
pH, electrical conductivity, temperature, dissolved oxygen, turbidity, total chlorine, BOD5, COD, KMnO4, residue after evaporation at 105 °C, oils and fats, alkalinity, detergents, phenol index, Kjeldahl nitrogen, ammonia content, anions, cations, suspended solids, TOC, total phosphorus, sedimentable solids (Imhoff), sulfides, metals, mineral oils, pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, polychlorinated biphenyls, volatile hydrocarbons, and other parameters in surface, groundwater, and wastewater.
We are also authorized to perform 24-hour wastewater sampling, groundwater level measurements, water flow measurements, and flow measurements in open channels by assessing velocity and surface area.
The equipment and techniques used for analyses include:
- Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometer (MP-AES) Agilent Technologies.
- Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS/MSD), GC FID, headspace sampler Agilent Technologies.
- UV-VIS Spectrophotometer Shimadzu.
- Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) Agilent Technologies.
- Gravimetry, and others.
Microbiological Testing
As part of our laboratory methods, we conduct tests for the presence of sanitary-microbiological parameters, which indicate the potential presence of pathogenic microorganisms and the level of organic contamination in water.
Parameters Tested:
1. Colony count of aerobic organotrophs at 22 °C:
- This parameter represents the total number of microorganisms that can develop at a temperature of 22 °C under aerobic conditions. The result provides insight into the overall microbial activity of the water and may indicate organic contamination.
2. Total coliform microorganisms:
- The presence of coliform bacteria is an indicator of the sanitary quality of water. These bacteria inhabit the environment, but their presence in water may indicate potential contamination of fecal origin.
3. Fecal coliform microorganisms:
- Fecal coliforms, including Escherichia coli, directly indicate water contamination by human or animal feces. Their identification is crucial for assessing the risk of pathogenic organisms.
4. Fecal streptococci:
- This group of bacteria, including genera such as Enterococcus, is used as an indicator of fecal contamination in watercourses and stagnant waters. Their resilience in aquatic environments makes them a reliable marker of historical contamination.
Toxicological Testing
As part of the laboratory services provided by the Institute for Protection and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska, we conduct toxicological testing using Daphnia magna as a model organism. These tests are a key component in assessing the ecological risk and toxicity of water and wastewater, providing reliable data for the protection of aquatic ecosystems and public health.
Why Daphnia magna? Daphnia magna is a standard aquatic organism for toxicity testing widely used in ecological and regulatory studies. Its sensitivity to toxic substances makes it an ideal indicator of water quality. Testing with Daphnia magna allows the assessment of acute and chronic toxic effects based on its behavior, reproductive capacity, and survival.
What Tests Include?
- Determination of acute toxicity (EC50): Based on the immobility of Daphnia magna after exposure to water or wastewater samples.
- Chronic toxicity testing: Including effects on reproductive capacity and growth.
- Assessment of the impact of various chemical and biological agents: On aquatic organisms in accordance with relevant standards.
Why These Tests Are Important?
- Pollutant Identification: Detect potentially harmful substances in water that may affect ecosystems and human health.
- Improvement of Wastewater Management: Enable the evaluation of the efficiency of wastewater treatment plants.
- Ecosystem Protection: Contribute to the preservation of biodiversity in aquatic environments.
Professional Report and Expert Interpretation
All processed data are compiled into a final report that undergoes thorough analysis by our experts. From the sampling date, analysis results with measurement uncertainty, to the methods of sampling and analysis, this report contains a wealth of information, and the time required for its preparation depends on the findings themselves.
The Institute for Protection and Ecology of the Republic of Srpska, through the application of the latest methods and a professional team, guarantees reliable results that assist in making decisions aimed at protecting the environment and health. Your trust – our responsibility!