ANA-LAB CORPORATION

Equipment and Instrumentation

Ana - Lab Corp. is a leading environmental laboratory providing comprehensive analytical testing of wastewater, groundwater, and solid waste for a full range of environmentally significant parameters including heavy metals, priority pollutants, herbicides, pesticides, and PCB`s.

Ana – Lab takes great pride in offering clients specialized services to meet their unique analytical and reporting needs.

Equipment

Ana-Lab`s laboratory is located in a state-of-the-art 20,000 square foot facility specifically designed for the chemical analysis of environmental samples.

Our laboratory is equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation capable of providing a full range of analytical services utilizing EPA approved procedures that enable us to meet the most stringent analytical needs of our clients.

The equipment and instrumentation used to produce analytical results are critically important tools we use to provide our clients with timely and accurate data, and therefore, represent the single largest area of capital investment. Critical to our ability to consistently provide our clients with timely and accurate results, is the reliability of our equipment.

To ensure reliability and minimize instrument down time, we maintain service contracts and preventative maintenance agreements with our vendors on all of our major instrumentation. Additionally, we have developed and implemented a detailed in-house maintenance program for all of our equipment.

Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a fast, precise and accurate multi-element analytical technique for the determination of trace elements in a variety of liquid and solid sample materials.

Volatile Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

All of our Volatile Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) instruments are equipped with Archon Auto samplers capable of meeting the low level requirements of EPA 5035 for soil samples. Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry is one of the most powerful techniques for separation and positive identification of compounds. The very low achievable detection limits of the technique achieve the most stringent requirements of our clients.

Semi Volatile Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)

Our Semi Volatile Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS) is an instrumental means of separating and positively identifying compounds. The very low achievable detection limits of the technique achieve the most stringent requirements of our clients. Ana-Lab uses state-of-the-art Agilent 68901 8976 GC/MS spectrometers to analyze semi volatile compounds. These instruments meet all of the requirements of EPA 8270 and EPA 625.

DX-2000 Organic Halide Analyzer

The DX-2000 Organic Halide Analyzer detects and measures the presence of organic halides in water, oil, and soil. Organic halides are generally not found naturally in the environment. They are introduced into the environment when used in applications such as pest control and degreasing. As a group, organic halides are often very toxic.

Gas Chromatograph

Gas chromatography is a chromatographic technique that can be used to separate volatile organic compounds. A gas chromatograph consists of a flowing mobile phase, an injection port, a separation column containing the stationary phase, and a detector. The organic compounds are separated due to differences in their partitioning behaviour between the mobile gas phase and the stationary phase in the column.

Model 2001 System 2

The Model 2001 System 2 is a modular TOC system that measures total organic carbon (TOC).

Other Equipment

HP 1090

The HP 1090 was for a many years the high performance standard for HPLC designed by Hewlett Packard. Combining dedicated metering pumps for each solvent with a high-pressure booster pump, makes the system to be the best overall HPLC pump design. Excellent control at low rates with powerful Diode Array Detection makes this system ideal the industry standard for compound analysis.

UV Model

The UV model of the Genesys 10 spectrophotometer performs absorbencies, percent transmittance, and concentration measurements within the wavelength range of 190 to 110 nanometers. The unique optical system ensures accuracy and precision.

Dionex IC25 Ion Chromatograph

The Dionex IC25 Ion Chromatograph performs isocratic ion analyses using conductivity detection. The IC25 integrates pump and detector functions in a single instrument. The microprocessor-based, dual-piston, variable-speed, delivery system pumps eluents at precisely controlled flow rates. The IC25 electronics provide sensitive, accurate detection and quantification of ionic analytes in liquid and ion chromatography. This is especially useful for analytes that lack UV chromophores and cannot be determined with adequate sensitivity by UV absorbance. A Digital Signal Processor (DSP) provides high speed control of pump flow and pressure.

Model PS200 - Automated Mercury Analyzer

The Leeman Labs` Model PS200 Automated Mercury Analyzer provides accurate, reliable mercury determinations. Growing environmental concerns, including those for wastewater and drinking water, have expanded the need for mercury analysis. The PS 200 has a detection limit of 20 ppt, 20ng/L.

ICP-AES 61E

Our ICP-AES 61E analyzer detects all 22 elements required of the CLP program. Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) is a major technique for elemental analysis. The sample to be analyzed, if solid, is normally first dissolved and then mixed with water before being fed into the plasma. Atoms in the plasma emit light (photons) with characteristic wavelengths for each element. This light is recorded by one or more optical spectrometers and when calibrated against standards. The technique provides a quantitative analysis of the original sample.

1261 Automated Isoperibol Bomb Calorimeter

Ana-Lab`s 1261 Automated Isoperibol Bomb Calorimeter measures the heat of combustion (calorific value) of solid and liquid fuels, foodstuffs, and other combustible materials in a bomb calorimeter. The calorific value (heat of combustion) of a sample may be broadly defined as the number of heat units liberated by a unit mass of a sample when burned with oxygen in an enclosure of constant volume.

TRAACS 800 System

The Bran + Luebbe TRAACS 800 System is a computer controlled, continuous flow wet chemistry analytical system using a colorimeter to detect changes in color produced by the presence of specific chemical substances in the analyzed samples.

AND HR-120

The AND HR-120 analytical balance offers 0.1 mg readability with an exceptional combination of remarkable features including a 0.01mg semi-micro dual range weighing which automatically selects ultra fine 0.01 mg resolution in the 0 - 42g range.

Analytical Services and Procedures

Ana-Lab provides complete laboratory services to meet the most stringent customer requirements. The company`s success has been achieved by serving customer needs with exceptional and reliable laboratory services.

Ana-Lab has extensive experience and expertise in pollution monitoring and waste disposal. We analyze wastewater, ground water and solid waste for a full range of parameters including heavy metals, priority pollutants, herbicides, pesticides, and PCB`s. Ana-Lab recently scored a perfect 100% on a group of EPA blind check samples.

Ana-Lab test methods have Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Texas Commission on Environmental Quality (TCEQ), and U. S. Public Health Service approval. Ana-Lab prides itself in offering clients specialized custom services by developing unique procedures to meet their particular analytical needs. We work closely with our clients to provide them the quality service they deserve.

Ana-Lab offers TCLP extractions followed by precise analytical procedures to meet government regulation on solid waste.

To meet these specifications Ana-Lab is equipped with state-of-art instruments, including GC/MS, ICP/MS, ICP, GC, HPLC, AA/HgA and other sophisticated, quality instrumentation.

The company`s laboratory is on the cutting edge of rapidly moving technology to meet our clients most exacting requirements.

Ana-Lab`s consistent quality analytical performance is evidenced by the company`s performance testing conducted by independent, third-party examiners.

Extensive Field Services

Ana-Lab offers a complete sample collection service throughout the United States and Mexico.

Our eight service centre facilities located in three states provide superior on-site customer services and quality laboratory service to customers throughout the United States.

Our Rio Grand Valley service centre in Brownsville, Texas, serves customers in Mexico.

Hazardous Waste

Ana-Lab can accommodate all of your solids and solid waste management requirements. These testing services include metals analysis, semi-volatile and volatile organic constituents, oil and grease and chloride content. Ana-Lab is certified in a number of states and with the EPA in order to accommodate all of your hazardous waste characterization requirements. These testing services include RCRA heavy metals, Extractable and Volatile organics, Reactivity, Corrosivity, Ignitability, TCLP and SPLP analysis.

Hazardous waste presents immediate or long-term risks to humans, animals, plants, or the environment. It requires special handling for detoxification or safe disposal. In the U.S., hazardous waste is legally defined as any discarded solid or liquid that:

• contains one or more of 39 carcinogenic, mutagenic, or teratogenic compounds at levels that exceed established   limits (including many solvents, pesticides, and paint strippers)
• catches fire easily (such as gasoline, paints, and solvents)
• is reactive or unstable enough to explode or release toxic fumes (including acids, bases, ammonia, and chlorine   bleach); or
• is capable of corroding metal containers such as tanks, drums, and barrels (such as industrial cleaning agents   and oven and drain cleaners)

Businesses such as metal finishers, gas stations, auto repair shops, dry cleaners, and photo developers produce many toxic waste products. These by-products include sulphuric acid, heavy metals found in batteries, and silver-bearing waste, which comes from photo finishers, printers, hospitals, schools, dentists, doctors, and veterinarians. Heavy metals, solvents, and contaminated wastewater result from paint manufacturing. Photo processing also creates organic chemicals, chromium compounds, phosphates, and ammonium compounds. Even cyanide can be a by-product, resulting from electroplating and other surface-treatment processes.

If you think industry is the only source of hazardous waste, you may be surprised. There is hazardous household waste as well. For example,

• automotive products, such as gasoline, antifreeze, and batteries
• oil-based paints and thinners
• pool chemicals
• pesticides, herbicides, and other garden products
• household cleaning products

Ana-Lab Corp. assists clients involved in litigation with laboratory analysis, testing, and consultation. Our staff of qualified and experienced chemists can provide expert testimony and analysis to back up a client`s claim.

Expert Witness

Our scientific staff also serve as expert witnesses in many major legal cases. Our experts have a diverse background in polymer, inorganic, organic and analytical chemistry. We will approach your problem with a broad perspective based on our technical training, research in academia and experience in industry.

Lead Analysis

Lead Analysis

Exposure to lead is known to affect the health of children and adults. In particular, exposure to lead in paint, soil, and dust poses a significant risk to children---including a risk for permanent neurological damage---living in older homes, which make up much of the housing stock in major U.S. cities. In order to reduce, if not eliminate, the associated health risks, it is advisable to measure the presence of lead accurately and precisely.

Ana-Lab applies our experience as an NLLAP-accredited environmental lead laboratory. Our team -- consisting of chemists, technicians, and a quality assurance specialist -- has more than 10 years of experience in lead inspection and analysis.

Lead is a heavy metal and tops the list of environmental pollutants in its variety of sources and potential for exposure. People can be exposed to lead poisoning through air, paint, food, drinking water, dust and soil. Because lead was once commonly used in paints and water pipes, many older homes and office buildings present hazardous conditions. At Ana-Lab we analyze all forms of lead contamination, and highly recommend lead testing before removing old paint or buying a home or business space. We offer these lead analyses services to you using the following methods.

• Lead in drinking water by method EPA 200.8 (ICP/MS)
• Lead in paint by method ASTM E16-13
• Lead in dust by method ASTM E16-13
• Lead in petroleum contaminated soils and waters by method EPA200.7

In addition to lead, we can identify and quantify other potentially hazardous metals in air. If welding fumes are of concern to you, we will scan for aluminum, antimony, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, titanium, vanadium and zinc. We will profile toxic metals in air looking for arsenic, beryllium, cadmium, chromium, lead, and vanadium. Or we can do a more inclusive metals scan including, but not limited to, aluminum, arsenic, antimony barium, beryllium, boron, cadmium, chromium, cobalt, copper, iron, lead, magnesium, manganese, molybdenum, nickel, selenium, silver, sodium, tin, titanium, vanadium and zinc.

Chain of Custody

The chain of custody procedure is intended to ensure that the sample is kept secure at all times and will stand up to the documentation requirements that may be associated with legal challenge. The chain of custody document identifies the location, transfer, and security of the sample from collection to disposal and provides documentation that identifies each person having true possession of the sample. Therefore, this chain of custody exists before and after a sample arrives at the laboratory.

Introduction

An important legal aspect of sampling and analysis is the `chain of custody`. This is particularly the case when samples are collected on site and transferred to an analytical laboratory for testing. Results may be challenged in court if a clear chain of custody of the samples is not present.

Fundamentals

The essence of chains of custody are that the location and personnel responsible for test samples can be traced from the moment that the samples are taken to the time that the final results are reported to the client. This involves custody by the sampling team until the samples are relinquished, then transport by courier/etc. to the laboratory performing the analysis, and finally the chain of events within the laboratory leading to the reporting of the results.

There are three elements to consider

Control of custody at site is normally achieved by a member of the sampling team being made responsible for the correct labeling and storage of samples. The samples, once taken, must be clearly identified and ideally sealed in such a way as to indicate tampering. Their storage must then be controlled and their storage environment be fit for purpose.

Transport via a courier normally involves the completion of shipping notes that include brief descriptions of the samples. Couriers normally have good records of dates/times of receipt and delivery, including names/signatures of personnel involved.

Within laboratories custody of samples is normally very well controlled, as many samples from many different customers must be tested and reported correctly. There should be little reason for concern in this area.

Forms

The easiest way to standardize the chain of custody of test samples is to use a form similar to Ana-Lab`s Chain of Custody. The content of the forms clearly identifies,

• The name/address/telephone number of the customer
• Unique sample identifiers
• Clear instructions for the tests required upon the samples.
• A clear section covering the actual chain of custody of the samples. This includes provision for stating the name of personnel, dates and times of relinquishment/receipt of the samples etc

Seals

Samples taken are then sealed prior to transport to the laboratory. These seals are designed to clearly identify any tampering with the samples prior to their arrival at the laboratory.

Groundwater and Soil Analysis

Groundwater Analysis

Ana-Lab follows ground water sampling practices that are fully compliant under SW-846 Chapter 11 (11.4.3 Sampling). Our services are guaranteed to meet regulatory requirements. Ana-Lab can accommodate all of your water and wastewater monitoring requirements. These testing services include discharge permits, compliance orders, permit renewals, the Safe Drinking Water Act, cooling tower waters and NPDES discharge. Ana-Lab is certified in a number of states and with the EPA in order to accommodate all of your groundwater monitoring requirements. These testing services include volatile and semivolatile compounds of concern, heavy metals, pH, alkalinity, total suspended solids, COD, chlorides, conductivity and a number of other groundwater monitoring parameters. All reports are computer generated and include full quality control results.

Soil Analysis

Environmental soil testing screens for the presence and concentration of compounds such as PCBs, metals and hydrocarbons that may be present in soil as a result of storage tank leaks or manufacturing by-product discharges. Ana-Lab works closely with environmental engineering firms providing laboratory services for site remediation projects.

Environmental soil testing frequently falls within the parameters of the RCRA or TSCA programs. Ana-Lab provides a complete range of analytical soil testing.

Ana-Lab is certified in a number of states and with the EPA in order to accommodate all of your Land Application requirements. These testing services include heavy metal analysis, 503E sludge regulations, microbiological analysis and organic compounds of concern.

Petroleum Testing Services

Ana-Lab is proud to offer a full range of petroleum testing services that include sulphur content, wear metals, API distillations, Reid vapor pressure, flash point, chromatographic analysis and BTU heating value.

Gas and Mold Analysis Services

Gas Analysis

Ana-Lab`s gas analysis services provide our clients extensive experience and knowledge stemming from multiple disciplines. Led by professional chemists and technicians, Ana-Lab can provide complete gas testing and analysis along many parameters.

Because of our extensive experience, Ana-Lab has an extensive working knowledge of industrial, commercial, chemical, and mining regulatory requirements. We couple in-depth expertise with qualified techniques for measuring and monitoring air pollution emissions and have established regulatory resources to facilitate and expedite solutions to your air quality needs.

Permits and Compliance Programs

Source Testing

Ana-Lab provides source testing services in accordance with regulatory requirements and permit conditions for existing or new air pollution emission units. Additionally, we have effectively utilized our source testing capabilities to optimize and enhance process operations, develop cost-saving new emission factors, characterize emissions for pollution control or monitoring equipment, and quantify emissions for CERCLA and EPCRA release reporting. NPN Environmental`s staff is experienced and familiar with EPA source testing methodologies for pollutants including VOCs, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, particulates, HAPs, metals, and opacity. We can also develop and implement protocols and test methods for facility-specific chemicals and pollutants.

Emission Invent Monitoring and Analysis

Ana-Lab performs investigations of indoor air quality pollutants using OSHA and EPA protocols for carbon monoxide, carbon dioxide, volatile organics, ozone, formaldehyde, tobacco smoke, nitrogen oxides, sulphur oxides, asbestos, inorganic acids and gases, particulates, bacteria, and mold. Additionally, we assess ventilation parameters such as humidity, supply and return air volumes, and temperature as well as occupant issues that may be contributing to perceived or actual indoor air quality conditions.

Mold Analysis

Ana-Lab`s dedicated, highly qualified analytical laboratory staff can sample, analyze, and identify fungi, molds and yeasts.

Molds are fungi that come in a variety of species and live both indoors and outdoors in dark, damp or wet places. The real culprits are mold spores — tiny bacteria produced by mold that become airborne or water-borne. As many as 250,000 spores could fit on the head of a pin. In heavily contaminated areas, a person might breathe in as many as 750,000 spores per minute, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

If you`re mildly allergic to molds, symptoms can include nasal stuffiness, eye irritation or wheezing. Among those who are more seriously allergic, however, symptoms can include fever and shortness of breath.

Prolonged exposure to mold in certain occupational settings, such as farms, is a particular concern. Farm workers continuously exposed to moldy hay, for instance, can develop a condition called Farmer`s Lung, which causes fatigue, a chronic cough and other symptoms, says the CDC.

If you find you are sensitive to mold, experts advice avoiding places outside that might have high levels of mold, such as wooded areas, compost piles, hay bales or cut grass.

Indoors, you can take steps to decrease mold exposure by keeping humidity levels below 40 percent. Ventilate showers and cooking areas, and try using a bleach solution of one cup of bleach in one gallon of water to clean areas where there may be mold growth.

Mold Damage

Mold growth inside a home or office building can adversely affect human health. Not only can mold and other biological contaminants affect your health, but mold can also jeopardize the sale of a home or subject building owners to serious legal liabilities, including violation of building code and health standards.

Ana-Lab Corp. provides specialized services designed to address issues regarding mold. These services include testing and analyzing homes and offices for the presence of mold, identification of factors that cause mold growth, hazard analyses, and suggestive remediation techniques.

Health Effects

Mold growth in the home or workplace can be a contributing factor of health symptoms experienced by some people. Especially susceptible people may complain of difficulty breathing, a runny nose and watery eyes, increased frequency of asthma attacks, itchy skin and rashes, and nose bleeds. If poor indoor air quality is suspected, a person should first consult their physician for an evaluation.

Mold Testing & Analysis

Ana-Lab Corp. can identify the presence, quantity and type of mold inside homes and offices. Testing may reveal the presence of particularly hazardous types of molds that produce mycotoxins. Such information is useful so that safe and appropriate remediation techniques are selected. All samples are collected in accordance to EPA-approved methods and analyzed by EPA-approved and accredited laboratories.

Source Identification

If visible mold growth is found or testing reveals elevated mold levels inside a home or office, the reason for the mold growth must be determined. Ana-Lab is capable of identifying causative factors. Mold growth is likely caused by one or a combination of the following:

• Water intrusion
• Water line leaks
• Excessive moisture
• Condensation in HVAC systems