739 Hastings Street
Traverse City, MI 49686
Phone: (231) 941-2230
Fax: (231) 941-2240
1295 King Avenue
Columbus, Ohio 43212
Phone: (614) 487-1040
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Traverse City, Michigan
The aquatic toxicology laboratories are fully equipped for static and flow-through toxicity evaluations of complex effluents, stormwater, whole sediments, sediment pore-water, sediment elutriates, and single compounds using a variety of vertebrate and invertebrate test species. Static exposures are conducted in environmental chambers, while flow-through exposures are conducted in enclosed continuous flow diluter systems. A separate laboratory is equipped to conduct whole sediment, sediment pore-water, and sediment elutriate toxicity evaluations. Rapid toxicity tests of chemicals or complex effluents can also be performed using a Microtox7 toxicity analyzer system. At this laboratory we conduct literally hundreds of acute and short-term chronic toxicity tests each year.
Laboratory instrumentation includes recording thermometers, pressure filtration apparatus, MicroTox, drying ovens, centrifuge, autoclaves, temperature controlled water baths, environmental chambers, spectrophotometer, Technicon autoanalyzer for phospphorus and nitrogen analysis, pH meters, dissolved oxygen meters, conductivity meters, and a variety of ion specific probes. Standard compound and dissecting microscopes are available for routine observations. Both water quality and sediment quality laboratories are equipped to perform toxicity identification/reduction evaluations (TI/RE). Oil free air, reverse osmosis (RO) treated water and deionized (DI) water is available throughout the laboratories. Stock cultures of Ceriodaphnia dubia, Daphnia magna, Daphnia pulex, Chironomus tentans, Hyallela azteca, Lumbriculus variegatus, Mysidopsis bahia, and fathead minnows are currently maintained for use as test species.
The sediment toxicity assessment capability at GLEC is based upon an integrated approach that assesses sediment quality by combining laboratory in-life exposure of aquatic organisms with chemical monitoring and field based bioassessment techniques. Our sediment toxicity assessment methods follow written standard operating procedures that are based upon the most recent established ASTM and EPA guidelines. We understand that it is necessary to implement rapid and cost effective methods while simultaneously maintaining the integrity of each bioassay by ensuring precision, accuracy, and reproducibility. Our field investigations of benthic community structure complement our laboratory toxicity testing capabilities by allowing us to assess receiving stream impacts by measuring community health. In addition, our chemistry capabilities complete our integrated approach by providing a sound chemical specific interpretation of sediment quality. Our staff are thoroughly trained in all aspects of sediment toxicity assessment. We also culture all of our test organisms to ensure that each test is initiated with organisms of known health. Our collections from field investigations are verified by replicated collections and second party verification of taxonomic results. Collectively, these capabilities enable GLEC to respond efficiently and quickly to even the most challenging of sediment toxicity assessments.
The non-point source capability is based upon a combination of laboratory and field staff and their associated equipment. Instrumentation used to analyze water samples for low level nutrients (ppb range) and other constituents include: a Technicon II Autoanalyzer/Clorimeter, a spectrophotometer, fluorimeters, as well as a variety of support equipment necessary for the preparation of samples. The Center is also fully equipped with a variety of field sampling equipment such as current meters, sediment corers, alpha and kemmerer bottles, plus five work boats.
GLEC's GIS Department is equipped with the latest software and hardware tools for conducting sophisticated spatial analysis and maps for environmental planning, telecommunications, land use, and other specialties. Project GIS data are processed with the latest versions of ArcGIS®, MapInfo®, and Vertical Mapper ®. Additional applications and utilities facilitate multiple format translations of GIS data (FME/Universal Translator), as well as raster to vector conversion (R2V® ) and terrain model construction. GIS programs are run on P4 class workstations in a secure peer to peer network environment. The GIS Department can produce report size color maps, interactive web-based maps, and unlimited plot sizes for indoor and outdoor applications.
The environmental chemistry laboratory is equipped to conduct a wide variety of organic and inorganic chemical analyses of samples from water, tissue, or sediment matrices. The instrumentation equipment includes: Gas Chromatography/Mass Selective Detector, Gas Chromatograph/Electron Capture Detector, Gas Chromatograph/Flame Ionization Detector, High Performance Liquid Chromatograph, Gel Permeation Chromatograph, and Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer, which has the capability to analyze by flame or graphite furnace. The extraction, digestion or other preparation of samples for analysis is also performed in the chemistry laboratory, using a variety of specialized glassware and extraction equipment.
The environmental assessment capability at GLEC is based upon the fusion of the above capabilities into a unified and multi-disciplinary approach for evaluating aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems. In Traverse City, the Center's staff is experienced in aquatic ecology/toxicology, Exhibit E FERC relicense applications, Instream Flow Incremental Methodology (IFIM), fisheries biology and management, terrestrial ecology, natural resources management, wetland identification and delineation, wetland ecology, endangered species management, and environmental/analytical chemistry. In addition, the Center can access expertise from throughout the Battelle organization in such diverse areas as soil science, ground water modeling, geology, atmospheric sciences, microbial ecology, and analytical chemistry. Specialized equipment includes a wide variety of aquatic and terrestrial sampling devices, such as a complete array of electro-fishing equipment (including a barge), seines, experimental nets, sediment grab samplers, and plankton nets. Two fluorimeters are available for mixing zone dye studies. Remote sensing and aerial photographs are easily incorporated into our GIS system for wetland evaluations and similar terrestrial/habitat assessments. Analytical software for environmental evaluations includes PC-SAS, Tox-Stat, and a variety of in-house environmental risk assessment programs.