Product Catalogue ALS EUROPE (SOIL/SLUDGE/SEDIMENT)

Importance of the Topic

Environmental monitoring of soil, sludge and sediment is essential to protect ecosystems, safeguard human health and support regulatory compliance. Comprehensive analysis of inorganic and organic contaminants, microbiological hazards, ecotoxicity and radiological parameters enables informed decision-making in agriculture, waste management, land remediation and industrial operations.

Objectives and Overview

This catalogue describes ALS Life Sciences Europe’s analytical capabilities for soil, sludge and sediment. It aims to present a complete portfolio of routine and premium services covering:

• Indicator and inorganic parameters
• Grain size distribution
• Microbiological profiling
• Elemental and speciation analysis
• Metals in bulk and trace fractions
• Organic pollutants including VOCs, PAHs, hydrocarbons, pesticides and POPs
• Ecotoxicological testing on aquatic and terrestrial species
• Radiochemical and gamma spectrometry measurements
• Specialist services for sediment reuse, sludge land application, passive sampling and PFAS determination

Methodology and Instrumentation

Analyses are performed in ISO 17025 accredited laboratories across Europe, using state-of-the-art instrumentation, including:

• ICP-OES and ICP-MS for multi-element quantification
• GC-MS, GC-ECD and GC-FID for volatile, semi-volatile and pesticide residues
• LC-MS/MS for polar and acidic pesticides, PFAS, organotin and dioxin precursors
• Atomic fluorescence for mercury speciation
• High-resolution GC-HRMS for dioxins, PCBs and brominated flame retardants
• Capillary electrophoresis, ion chromatography and Kjeldahl/TIC/TOC analyzers for inorganic and organic parameters
• Bioassay systems and passive samplers for in situ metal bioavailability
• Gamma spectrometers and radiochemical separation for alpha, beta and gamma emitters

Key Results and Discussion

Assigned limits of quantification (LOQs) span from sub-µg/kg for ultra-trace organics and mercury species up to mg/kg for bulk parameters. Sample requirements and turnaround times are aligned to client needs, with standard delivery in 5–10 business days and expedited ‘‘ALS Quick’’ options available. Sediment and sludge services include tailored ecotoxicology, microbiology and risk-based screening for agricultural reuse.

Benefits and Practical Applications

ALS’s integrated approach offers:

• One-stop access to chemical, biological and radiological testing
• Customised parameter packages to meet local legislation and Water Framework Directive
• High-resolution data for contamination mapping, remediation planning and process control
• Global network and online data portal for timely reporting and quality assurance

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging needs include ultra-trace PFAS and precursor screening via TOP assay, expanded use of passive samplers for bioavailable metals, coupling high-resolution MS with non-target screening, digital integration of field sensors and laboratory data, and advanced ecotoxicology incorporating molecular biomarkers. Continuous method development will support evolving regulations and sustainability goals.

Conclusion

ALS Life Sciences Europe provides a comprehensive, flexible and quality-driven suite of analytical services for soil, sludge and sediment. The combination of accredited laboratories, expert teams and cutting-edge instrumentation ensures reliable data to support environmental management, industrial compliance and public safety.

Reference

None specified in source document