Aquatic Testing Laboratories
Water

Introduction
Tests Available
Sampling
Shipping
Sample Volumes &
Holding Times

Terminology
Personnel
Certification
Contact Us


Sampling points and method (grab or composite) should be the same as that specified in the client's NPDES discharge permit or recommended by the regulatory agency. The choice of bioassay test should also be outlined in your permit. It may be helpful to supply us with a copy of the permit to ensure proper testing.
Samples should be collected in clean, new, glass/plastic bottles or "cubitainers" and must be cooled immediately to 4oC. Samples should also be cooled during compositing if at all possible. Please fill containers completely leaving no air space to help reduce the loss of volatile components. See table on following page for the amount of sample required for each test. Please be aware that some static-renewal chronic bioassays require 3 separate samples to be sent per test. Clients typically ship these on Monday, Wednesday and Friday (for Saturday delivery) for the test renewals. Please consult permit to see if this applies.

All samples should be labelled using waterproof ink and include: sample ID, date and time sampled, company name, name of sampler, and whether a grab or composite sample. Chain of Custody forms should be completed, signed by the sampler and submitted with the samples. Chain of Custody forms and labels will be provided by the laboratory if needed. We recommend enclosing all paperwork in a large ziplock freezer bag to ensure dryness.

Samples should be packed in coolers with "blue ice" and transported to the laboratory as soon as possible. NPDES testing must begin within 36 hours of sample collection. There is no "holding time" for hazardous waste samples, however, we recommend testing within two weeks of sample collection. As a general rule, try to ship the sample within 2 hours of sample collection to allow adequate time for arrival at the lab.

SHIPPING INSTRUCTIONS: For local clients: samples may be delivered to our sample receiving counter weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Maps are available for those unfamiliar with the Ventura area. Saturday and Sunday deliveries must be arranged in advance. Please notify the lab of the airbill number and expected arrival time when shipping. For additional information, please contact us at Aquatic Testing Laboratories. Our phone number is (805) 650-0546; our FAX number is (805) 650-0756.


Test
Container
Volume Holding Time
Hazardous Waste
Glass Jar
100 gm (25 gm min. for screen) none
Acute - NPDES
Percent Survival
Static
plastic cubitainer
One gallon for most tests
2 gallons for trout
5 gallons for stickleback
36 hours
Static-renewal
plastic cubitainer
One gallon for most tests
5 gallons for trout
10 gallons for stickleback
36 hours
LC50
Static
plastic cubitainer
One gallon for most tests
5 gallons for trout
10 gallons for stickleback
36 hours
Static-renewal
plastic cubitainer
2 gallons for most tests
10 gallons for trout
20 gallons for stickleback
36 hours
Chronic - NPDES
Freshwater
Fathead minnow
plastic cubitainer
Continuous Discharges:
2.5 gallons three times within one week
(Mon, Wed, & Fri)
Intermittent Discharges:
5 gallons (single sample)
36 hours
Ceriodaphnia
plastic cubitainer
Continuous Discharges:
One gallon three times within one week
(Mon, Wed, & Fri)
Intermittent Discharges:
One gallon (single sample)
36 hours
Selenastrum
plastic/glass bottle
one liter 36 hours
3 Species Screen
plastic cubitainer
Continuous Discharges:
2.5 gallons three times within one week
(Mon, Wed, & Fri)
Intermittent Discharges:
5 gallons (single sample)
36 hours
Marine
Menidia
plastic cubitainer
Continuous Discharges:
2.5 gallons three times within one week
(Mon, Wed, & Fri)
Intermittent Discharges:
7 gallons (single sample)
36 hours
Topsmelt
plastic cubitainer
Continuous Discharges:
2.5 gallons three times within one week
(Mon, Wed, & Fri)
Intermittent Discharges:
5 gallons (single sample)
36 hours
Abalone
plastic/glass bottle
one liter 36 hours
Giant Kelp
plastic/glass bottle
one liter 36 hours
3 Species Screen
plastic cubitainer
Continuous Discharges:
2.5 gallons three times within one week
(Mon, Wed, & Fri)
Intermittent Discharges:
7 gallons (single sample)
36 hours