Marchwood Scientific Services Ltd (MSSL) the independent laboratory located near Southampton, UK, has extended its capacity for AOX analysis with the purchase of a new C1 10 AOX analysis system from Behr Labor-Technik.

The new equipment measures cumulative halogen content as AOX/EOX or POX via a coulometric titration in accordance with the relevant USEPA, BSEN and DIN standards.

Due to their excellent chemical and technical properties, organohalogen compounds are employed in vast quantities throughout the world. They are commonly employed in germicides, pesticides, preservatives, solvents, plasticizers, medications, plastics, refrigerants and a multitude of other industrial products. Nonetheless, organohalogen compounds are generally resistant to rapid microbiological breakdown in the environment and exhibit moderate to pronounced toxicities to various species. They consequently represent an increasing environmental hazard, since they are not only widely disseminated through natural aquatic systems, but volatile organohalogens are also transported through the atmosphere.

AOX is a significant parameter which has seen heavy focus in the last decade for industrial effluents, particularly with the pulp and paper industry. AOX is a standard measurement that quantifies the amount of chlorinated organic material that is discharged from a mill and is typically measured as the amount of halogenated compound per tonne of pulp.

Although there is no limits set for AOX in the UK at present time, this parameter is heavily regulated in other countries including Sweden, Germany and USA.

Commented MSSLs Managing Director John Fursman “ This instrument has been purchased to satisfy demand for AOX/EOX analysis outside the UK with South America and S.E.Asia being our strongest markets. There is considerable interest from a number of organisations and analysis will be performed primarily for effluent, sea and fresh water, sediments and marine organisms.

For further information contact Michelle Gibbins, Press Liaison Officer on 02380 669126

Marchwood Scientific Services
Marchwood Industrial Park
Southampton
Hants
SO40 4PB