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What tests are conducted?

Substances of concern from the SOURCE (CATCHMENT)

  1. Natural Organic Matter (NOM)
  2. Virus (indicators)
  3. Micro-organisms (indicators)
  4. Protozoa
  5. Algae
  6. Inorganic pollutants
  7. Organic micro pollutants
  8. Pharmaceuticals + Endocrine disrupters

Substances of concern through TREATMENT and DISTRIBUTION

  1. Residuals from treatment chemicals
  2. Disinfection By-Products (DBP’s)
  3. Corrosion
  4. Bacterial re-growth (BDOC, AOC)
  5. Taste and odours

Tests in CHEMISTRY

  1. Physical and organoleptic: Turbidity, pH, Conductivity, Colour, Alkalinity, Hardness
  2. Inorganic – anions: Cl, SO4, F, Br, NO3, NO2, PO4, ClO2, ClO3,
  3. Inorganic - cations non-metals: K, Na, Ca, Mg, NH4,
  4. Inorganic - cations metals: Fe, Mn, Al, Cd, Hg, Pb…
  5. Organics: DOC, COD, UV254, OA, THM, AOX
  6. Nutrients: TKN, PO4, NH4, NO3, NO2,
  7. Solids: TDS, TSS, TS, TFS, TVS, SS …

Tests in MICROBIOLOGY

  1. Microbiology: HPC, Total coliform, Faecal coliform, E coli, Faecal streptococci, Pseudomonas aeroginosa,Clostridium (spores, viable)
  2. Virology: CPE+PCR, Somatic Coliphage,
  3. Biology: Giardia, Cryptosporidium, Algae, Toxins, Geosmin, 2MIB

Tests in PROCESS CONTROL & RESEARCH

  1. Disinfection: Free + Total CL2,
  2. Toxicity (acute): Daphnia, Bacterial growth, Urease enzyme
  3. Mutagenicity (chronic): Ames Salmonella (S98+S100)
  4. Plant performance: Corrosivity, Isotherms, Beaker settling tests, Sieve analysis, Lime test, Settling tests
  5. Specialised tests and studies:
    • Medical and other substances: Pharmaceuticals, Endocrine
    • Organic Pollution Index (OPI), Bromate

On-line monitoring instruments on telemetry:

  1. Turbidity, Conductivity, DO, Free - chlorine residual, pH, Particle counting, DOC/TOC, UV254, Nitrate, Ammonia
  2. Composite auto-samplers: Giardia, Crypto + Virus

Note: certain tests regarded as advanced non-routine tests are contracted out to laboratories either in South Africa or Europe.

What methods are used?

  1. Scientific Services uses the methods from the American Public Health Association, Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. 20th Edition. APHA Inc. Washington DC. Bridson E.Y (1998)

What guidelines are used?

  1. Namibian water quality guidelines
  2. US Environmental Protection agency (USEPA).
  3. EU guidelines.
  4. Guidelines for re-use and reclamation

Services rendered

  1. To City of Windhoek corporate operational and executive management.
  2. To institutions who have a concern in the quality testing.
  3. Industry.
  4. Private customers

Other activities

  1. Maintain a Laboratory Quality System according to ISO 17025
  2. Carry out applied research to improve treatment units, analytical test methods, sampling devices.
  3. Dairy testing for the City of Windhoek Health Division
  4. Train and supervise students and attachments in basic assignments, projects and laboratory methods
  5. Supervise post graduate students during their research
  6. Receive school groups and visitors to familiarise them with the different treatment plants and activities of the laboratory

Staff complement

  • Current structure Chief Scientist 1/1
  • Administrative Officer 1/1
  • Section Scientist Quality Assurance 1/1
  • LIMS Administrator 0/1
  • Section Scientist Chemistry 1/1
  • Analyst [Chemistry] 3/3
  • Assistant Analyst [Chemistry] 3/3
  • Section Scientist Microbiology 0/1
  • Analyst [Microbiology] 3/3
  • Assistant Analyst [Microbiology] 2/3
  • Support Officer 2/2
  • Section Scientist Process Control & Research 1/1
  • Researcher 0/1 Instrument Technician 1/1
  • Monitoring Program Administrator 0/1
  • Sampler / Field Tester 4/4

Note: Scientific Services is currently working towards accreditation.

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