Human activities often have a significant impact on the environment. Contaminants that infiltrate our natural resources can be detrimental to the health of both humans and animals. The Organic Chemistry section analyzes air, soil, water, vegetation and food to identify and measure potentially toxic organic compounds, such as plasticizers, pesticides, personal care products, pharmaceuticals and industrial chemicals.

Testing is conducted for state agencies, public water supplies, county public health departments, businesses and private citizens. Routine environmental monitoring is conducted to evaluate the ongoing health of Iowa’s environment, while responsive testing is conducted to determine the risk of human and animal exposure in the event of environmental catastrophes.

Analysis for organic compounds is conducted using highly specialized methods and instrumentation in order to detect very low levels of organic compounds. New testing methods are implemented as new threats emerge, such as the possible presence of hormones and steroids in drinking water.

Organic Chemistry sections of the lab include Gas Chromatography Analysis and Liquid Chromatography Analysis, so named for the technology used in the analyses of various samples to determine organic contaminants. A gas chromatograph is used to analyze relatively low molecular weight organic compounds that can be vaporized by heating, while a liquid chromatograph can detect extremely low levels of compounds that have a higher molecular weight and are not as easily vaporized.