Analytical laboratory

Last updated on December 18, 2023

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Lab services

The Environmental Laboratory (lab) provides analytical chemistry support to:

  • Natural Resources sector ministries
  • Academia
  • Industry

This support is provided on a cost recovery basis.

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Sample analysis

The lab analyzes more than 30,000 samples per year and has been operating for over 30 years. That's over 900,000 samples!

The lab conducts:

  • Routine chemical, physical and biological analyses on soil, water, vegetation, and other environmental matrices
  • Specialized analyses and analytical method development in support of research projects
  • Water retention and texture analyses on soils
  • Dendrochronology measurements on tree core samples

Instrumental techniques

The lab uses instrumental techniques such as:

  • ICP-MS and ICP-OES spectrometers for trace metal analyses
  • Combustion analyzers for total carbon, nitrogen and sulphur
  • Liquid chromatographs with multiple detectors for anion and organic compound analyses
  • Gas chromatographs with multiple detectors for organic analyses
  • Colorimetric, UV or IR auto-analyzers for inorganic analyses

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Who we serve

The lab serves:

  • Government clients
  • Research collaborators within universities and the private sector

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Collecting and sending samples

Before you collect

Contact the lab to discuss your project.

Before you send

Review and complete the Sample Submission Form (XLSX, 691KB).

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Contact information

General enquiries
NRLab@gov.bc.ca
Courier
BC Environmental Laboratory
Unit A, 2071 Malaview Ave
Sidney, BC, V8L 5X6
Mailing
BC Environmental Laboratory
PO Box 9536 Stn Prov Gov't
Victoria, B.C. V8W 9C4