The Water Quality Lab analyzes water samples using the state-of-the-art Gallery Discrete Analyzer. We follow Quality Assurance Quality Control (QAQC) procedures to ensure high-quality results.
| Constituent | Internal MSU fee per sample | External fee per sample | Method |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dissolved reactive P | $14.72 | $19.00 | Colorimetric: EPA 365.3 |
| Dissolved reactive P (filtered by client, outside of our lab) | $13.12 | $17.00 | Colorimetric: EPA 365.3 |
| Total P | $16.86 | $21.50 | Colorimetric: EPA 365.3 (Alkaline persulfate digestion or Acid persulfate digestion by request) |
| Nitrate-N | $12.45 | $16.00 | Enzymatic: Nitrate reductase |
| Total suspended solids | $13.44 | $17.00 | Standard Method 2540-D TSS (2017) |
Sample Collection Instructions
| Constituent | Short-term storage (recommended) | Long-term storage |
|---|---|---|
| Dissolved Reactive Phosphorus1 | Collect unacidified sample and filter immediately with 0.45 micrometer filter, and chill sample. Sample will be analyzed within 48 hours after lab drop off. | Collect unacidified sample and filter immediately with 0.45 micrometer filter, and freeze sample in glass bottle. Sample will be analyzed within 48 hours of thawing. |
| Total Phosphorus | Collect unacidified sample. Sample will be analyzed within 48 hours after lab drop off. | Acidify to pH<2 with H2SO4 at the time of collection. Sample will be analyzed within 28 days of collection. |
| Nitrate-N | Collect unacidified sample and chill sample to 4°C (40°F) after collection. Sample will be analyzed within 48 hours after lab drop off. | Acidify to pH<2 with H2SO4 at the time of collection. Sample will be analyzed within 28 days of collection. |
1 If you do not filter samples immediately after collection with 0.45 micrometer filter, we will filter samples in the lab. DRP fee for pre-filtered samples are in the special-case section, and DRP fee for non-filtered samples are in the routine samples section.
Payment: For MSU projects, we accept an account number. For external non-MSU projects, we accept a check. Please write to the order of Michigan State University.
For questions, contact Lab Technologist, Joseph Letavis, letvisj@msu.edu, 517-353-9949
Sample Submission form must be submitted during sample delivery.
Direction to Water Quality Lab:
Farrall Hall, 524 S. Shaw Lane, Room 1, East Lansing, MI 48824
