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Environmental assessment of explosives in water samples

Oct 22, 2025

Dear customers,
 
we are pleased to inform you that, in addition to the recently introduced accredited procedure for the analysis of soil samples, ALS Laboratory now also offers identification and quantification of explosives in water samples. ALS Laboratory has expanded its analytical portfolio with methods tailored for the determination of nitroaromatics, nitramines, and related compounds in water, in accordance with internationally recognized standards (US EPA 8330B, EN ISO 22478, ISO 11916-1).
 
The detection of explosives in water is essential for the protection of ecosystems and public health. It enables early identification of contamination in both surface and groundwater, supports the development of effective remediation strategies, and provides a basis for informed decision-making in the management of water resources. Certain substances (e.g., RDX, 2,4-DNT) are considered high-risk — in our initial tests, RDX was detected in concentrations of several tens of μg/l in water samples.
 
What we offer:
  • Accredited analysis of explosives in water using advanced HPLC-DAD systems.
  • The method covers a wide range of target compounds, including degradation products and related substances.
  • Every positive finding is verified spectrally and confirmed using an alternative stationary phase of the chromatographic column to ensure high reliability of the results.​
Analyte Abbreviation Limit
of Reporting
(LOR; mg/kg)
Octahydro-1,3,5,7-tetranitro-1,3,5,7-tetrazocine HMX / Oktogen 0.4
Hexahydro-1,3,5-trinitro-1,3,5-triazine RDX / Hexogen 0.4
1,3,5-Trinitrobenzene 1,3,5-TNB 0.4
1,3-Dinitrobenzene 1,3-DNB 0.4
Methyl-2,4,6-trinitrophenylnitramine Tetryl / CE 0.4
Nitrobenzene NB 0.4
2,4,6-Trinitrotoluene 2,4,6-TNT 0.4
4-Amino-2,6-dinitrotoluene 4-Am-DNT 0.4
2-Amino-4,6-dinitrotoluene 2-Am-DNT 0.4
2,4-Dinitrotoluene 2,4-DNT 0.4
2,6-Dinitrotoluene 2,6-DNT 0.4
2-Nitrotoluene 2-NT 0.4
3-Nitrotoluene 3-NT 0.4
4-Nitrotoluene 4-NT 0.4
Nitroglycerin / Glycerol trinitrate NG 1
Pentaerythritol tetranitrate PETN 1
3,5-Dinitroaniline 3,5-DNA 0.4
N-Nitrosodiphenylamine NDPhA 0.4
Diphenylamine DPA / Dpha 0.4
Sample Collection Requirements
  • Volume: Ideally 2 liters of water without sediment.
  • Container: ONLY dark glass bottles (to prevent photodegradation).
  • Handling: Submit samples as soon as possible and store them in a cool, dark place.
Turnaround Time (TAT)
  • Analytical results will be delivered within 10–14 working days from the time the sample is received in the laboratory (depending on the sample matrix).
  • Express analysis is NOT available due to the necessary sample processing and verification steps.
Contact our experienced Client Service!