Trace Element Research Lab
The Trace Element Research Laboratory (TERL) is dedicated to
providing students with a high quality education in environmental
chemistry and sponsors with high quality trace element data. (TERL)
offers an uncommon combination of academic research expertise and
extensive experience in the environmental monitoring and regulation
arenas. TERL has an international reputation, earned through
numerous blind intercalibration exercises, for consistently
producing high quality, low detection limit trace element data for
environmental samples (including water, wastewater, sediment and
biota). All work is conducted under a comprehensive quality
assurance/ quality control (QA/QC) program. TERL is experienced in
the use of clean (1 part per billion level) and ultra-clean (<
0.1ppb level) sampling and preconcentration procedures required to
make accurate measurements of trace metals at ambient levels in
both freshwater and seawater. TERL has participated in most major
US environmental monitoring programs over the past decade (e.g.
NOAA Mussel Watch, EPA EMAP, USFWS Contaminants Program, etc.) and
has an established reputation for accurately measuring trace metal
levels in samples from even the most pristine environments.
TERL facilities for low level analyses include a clean room,
three modern graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrophotometers,
a PSA hydride generation atomic fluorescence analyzer, a
Hewlett-Packard model 4500 ICP/MS, a Perkin-Elmer Optima 3000
dual-view ICP, and complete neutron activation analysis
facilities.
TERL has successfully completed over 300 projects for government
agencies (e.g. U.S. Navy, NOAA, FWS, EPA, NSF, ONR) and private
sector corporations (e.g. Science Applications Inc., CH2M-Hill,
Phillips Petroleum, Exxon). Selected recent projects are described
below. A complete list of projects including intercalibration
(QA/QC) exercise results and detailed project summaries are
available upon request.
Intercalibrations
National Research Council of Canada. 1995-present. TERL
participated in the certification process for new sediment
certified reference materials (CRM). Canadian CRM's are used
routinely in laboratories throughout the world as independent QA
samples to confirm the accuracy of analytical results.
U.S. Geological Survey. 1994-present. Evaluation Program for
Standard Reference Water Samples. TERL has been participating in
this program since March 1994. In a recent intercalibration
exercise for trace constituents and Hg in water and trace metals in
sediments (Open-File Report 95-395), TERL received an overall
ranking of fourth among the 137 laboratories participating.
National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. 1986-present.
Annual NOAA National Status and Trends Trace Element
Intercalibration Exercise for sediment and tissue. TERL has
participated in all exercises (# 1-10) and has consistently
received the highest possible performance rating (superior).
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. 1993-present. TERL has
been participating in both Water Supply and Water Pollution
Laboratory Performance Evaluation Studies for several years, and
has consistently received an acceptable rating (highest possible
rating).
Quality Assurance of Information for Marine Environmental
Monitoring in Europe (QUASIMEME). 1994-96. TERL is the only U.S.
laboratory participating in this European Community sponsored low
detection level intercalibration exercise for tissue and sediment.
In the latest round (#4, May 1995) TERL received a rating of "good
performance" (highest possible rating) for both matrices.
For Information: Contact Drs. R.J.
Taylor (rtaylor@cvm.tamu.edu) or G.R. Bratton
(gbratton@cvm.tamu.edu) (979)458-0035; (979) 845-1568; (979)
845-3430;FAX (979) 847-8981
Contact Us
Dr. Robert J. Taylor
Trace Element Research Laboratory
College of Veterinary Medicine, Texas A&M University
Veterinary Integrative Biosciences (VIBS) Department
VMA Bldg Rm 107
4458 TAMUS
College Station, TX 77843-4458
(979) 845-1568