Specialist analysis

We provide specialist laboratory analysis, including testing for PFAS, microplastics, persistent organic pollutants and environmental swabbing for Covid-19. We are also able to assist clients in developing customised product specific studies within a controlled laboratory environment to assist R&D teams in obtaining independent scientific data.
PFAS substances

PFAS (Per- & Poly fluoroalkyl substances): Forever chemicals

Per- and Poly-fluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are widely used around the world to make products that resist heat, stains, grease and water. Some of these substances have been found to be toxic and have been linked to various health problems.

SUEZ provides bespoke services, including a detailed analysis for businesses in tackling the PFAS problem, and helps contribute to improved public health.
Microplastics

Microplastics pollution: A growing environmental concern

Our new method is based on the NOAA method and provides analysis to quantify microplastics in marine environmental samples and calculates concentrations using a variety of metrics.

Microplastics are small pieces of plastic that are less than five millimetres long and can be harmful to our ocean and aquatic life.

They can be unintentionally formed when larger pieces of plastic get damaged and break. Tiny pieces of polyethylene plastic are also added intentionally to health and beauty products such as toothpastes and cleansers. They then pass unchanged through waterways into the ocean.
Persistent organic pollutants

The scourge of persistent organic pollutants (POPs)

This group of organic compounds is of increasing concern in the environment due to their persistence, toxicity, and bio accumulative properties (PBTs), with a high potential to significantly affect human health. They cover a range of chemistries, but are often grouped into pesticides, herbicides, industrial by-products and health care products. They are referenced in several legislative documents such as the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Groundwater Directive, the Industrial Emissions Directive and the Waste Directive (WM3).

There are currently 48 compounds on the Priority Substance (PS) list, although this includes three metals (mercury, cadmium and lead), and a Watch List exists whereby additional compounds may be added, once sufficient data is available.

  • Acenaphthene
  • Alachlor
  • Anthacene
  • Atrazine
  • Benzene
  • Brominated diphenylethers
  • Chloroalkanes C10-13
  • Chlorfenvinphos
  • Chlorpyriphos
  • 1,2-dichlorethane
  • Dichloromethane
  • DEHP
  • Diuron
  • Endosulphan
  • Fluoranthene
  • Hexachlorobenzene
  • Hexachlorobutadiene
  • Hexachlorocyclohexane
  • Isoproturon
  • Naphthalene
  • Nonylphenols
  • Octylphenols
  • Pentachlorobenzene
  • Pentachlorophenol
  • PAHs
  • Simazine
  • Tributyltin compounds
  • Trichlorobenzenes
  • Trifluralin
  • PFOS
  • Dicofol
  • Quinoxyfen
  • Dioxins
  • Aclonifen
  • Bifenox
  • Cybutryne
  • Cypermethrin
  • Dichlorvos
  • Hexabromocyclododecanes (flame retardant)
  • Heptachlor
  • Terbutryne
  • 17a-ethinylestradiol
  • 17b-estradiol
  • Diclofenac
  • Trichloromethane

Analysis

The toxic concentration of these organic compounds is often very low, and therefore detection limits need to correspondingly lower. The instrumentation now implemented and validated at our lab utilises a combination of GCMS and LCMS.

  • GCMS Target Based Screening – full scan mode using Deconvolution Reporting Software (DRS) to identify over 1000 compounds, including all compounds in the WFD.
  • LCMS triple quadrupole – validated for acid herbicides down to ppt levels.
  • GCMS triple quadrupole – validated for key pesticides, including chlorinated and phosphorylated pesticides, plus triazine, again down to ppt levels
COVID-19 surface swabbing

Environmental swabbing for Covid-19

In response to the Covid-19 pandemic, we’re offering a solution to swab environmental surfaces for SARS-Cov-2.

Our environmental swabbing service will help you to provide a Covid-safe environment for your employees, contractors and visitors. It will also give you peace of mind that your cleaning measures are effective, and government workplace guidance has been followed.

How does it work?

Our analysis is based on real-time reverse transcription qPCR, the same method that is used by the NHS to test anyone with Covid symptoms. This method has been shown to be accurate, fast and effective, providing results within 48 hours.