Environmental Contaminants Laboratory

Manager: Loraine Fries
E-mail: loraine.fries@tpwd.state.tx.us

The Environmental Contaminants Laboratory serves the Department by analyzing samples from water, soil, or aquatic organisms for traces of organic and inorganic pollutants. Samples may come from fish kills, chemical spills, research projects, or be a part of long-term environmental monitoring for ecosystem health. Results may be used in the investigation of environmental crimes or add to the scientific understanding of directed research. The laboratory staff consists of a director, two chemists and a laboratory technician.

Samples Accepted

Samples are accepted from TPWD and other state and federal agencies with projects that fit within the TPWD mission. The laboratory does not provide services to private parties.

• Tissue samples from marine and freshwater organisms (animals and plants)
• Water, soil, and sediment samples
• Hazardous waste (considered on a case-by-case basis)

Services Available

• Chemistry reference and consulting
• Inorganic analysis (metals and metalloids)
• Organic analysis
  • Chlorinated compounds (insecticides, herbicides, PCB, chlordane)
  • Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs)
  • Endocrine disrupters
• Wet chemistry: anions, biological and chemical oxygen demand (BOD & COD)