Analytical Services for Clogging and Corrosion

In partnership with a highly reputable licensed regional laboratory, we offer investigative and diagnostic analyses for biofouling, clogging, and corrosion troubleshooting to clients throughout North America (including Mexico and the Caribbean). These are in-depth quality analyses, offered with interpretation, to help get your system on the path to recovery. While not just any laboratory will conduct these analyses specific to clogging and corrosion, and few are willing or able to explain the results, we provide comprehensive laboratory analysis and thorough interpretation with a level of service and expertise that can only be provided by Ground Water Science.

Our laboratory and analytical services include:

• Complete Well Profile (one casing sample plus one aquifer sample)

These are analyses of water samples to determine clogging and corrosion activity and potential.  In this analysis, two water samples are taken, one soon after turning on the well pump after a period of rest, and a second after casing water is evacuated. We advise on how to determine when these should be taken.

“Casing flush sample” analysis includes: pH, alkalinity, TDS, conductivity, iron, manganese, calcium, Saturation Index, heterotrophic, sulfate-reducing bacteria (SRB), iron-precipitating bacteria (IPB) and microscopic evaluation.

“Aquifer” analysis includes: pH, alkalinity, bicarbonate, carbonates, chloride, total dissolved solids, conductivity, total hardness, calcium, magnesium, copper, iron, manganese, phosphate, nitrate, silica, sulfate, tannin, potassium, sodium, chlorine, Saturation Index, heterotrophic bacteria, SRB, IPB, and microscopic evaluation.

• Biofouling, Biocorrosion, and Sanitary Assessment

This is a microbiological assessment designed to compliment chemical data derived from other tests.  It includes heterotrophic plate count, coliform (presence/absence), anaerobic and aerobic heterotrophic assessment, SRB, IPB, and microscopic evaluation.

• Microscopy (light transmitting)

For water (such as first flush water) that is turbid (cloudy), or economical solids assessment, we recommend light microscopy to identify microbial structures, minerals, etc. of interest in well and water system maintenance assessment.

• Scale or Deposit Analysis

For solids such as those clogging pipes or clinging to pumps, tanks or other surfaces. Includes sample preparation. Originally designed for cooling water systems, adapted for well-water clogging.

Includes quantitative analysis of: Color, loss on ignition (indicator of organic carbon), ash, magnetic (qualitative), carbonate, silica, phosphorus, copper, iron, manganese, zinc, calcium, magnesium, sulfate, sulfide, sodium, potassium, SRB, IPB, and microscopic evaluation.

• Filter Analysis

Extracting and quantitatively analyzing chemical and microbial deposits from sand filter, filter pack, and other solid matrix analysis. We can collect the sample, too.

• Quick microscopy + colorimetric chemistry

For an economical “quick glance” at what is deposited in a filter matrix, we recommend light microscopy to identify microbial structures, minerals, etc. of interest, with determination of Fe, Mn, carbonate, and sulfide.

• Oil and Gas Lease Testing

We conduct sampling for landowners planning or in the process of leasing land to oil and gas (Marcellus and Utica as well as conventional) developers. We do sampling for parameter sets recommended by area agencies but also add our hydrologic and geologic interpretation. We have Ohio EPA Qualified Data Collector status.

Based on project need, we can also arrange specialty analyses and additional services including:

• Microbial ecology testing using BART and related methods
• Phospholipid fatty acid (PLFA or FAME) analysis – a particularly information-rich way to analyze filter and aquifer solids for microbial community composition (such as after a spill, during ground water clean up, or for biofouling assessment)
• Bacteriological identification (cultural or DNA)
• Microparticulate analysis (EPA methodology)
• Activated sludge microscopy
• X-ray diffraction and electron microscopy.

We also conduct:

• Sampling, including installation of biofouling/biocorrosion collecting apparatus.
• Specialized and remote sampling and analysis programs.

Do you need more help than just laboratory testing and analysis?  Our consulting services often include laboratory analyses priced at cost.  This provides you with the benefit of our interpretive capability and extensive experience in recommending solutions.

Are you overseas or working in a remote location?  We can correspond, come to you, and work out a practical plan for the testing you need.  It can be done under “bush” conditions using simple yet robust methods.

For pricing information, to make arrangements, or to get recommendations, please contact: Stuart Smith.