Scientific Services
Scientific Services consists of a team of chemists, microbiologists, environmental scientists and technical support staff, who use the latest equipment to perform chemical and microbiological tests on water and wastewater samples. The section is owned by Allconnex Water and has a long history of providing reliable analytical services on a commercial basis to government and water industry customers, as well as members of the public.
Scientific Services currently provides accredited sample collection and testing services that include the chemical analysis of nutrients, metals and organic compounds, as well as microbiological testing for bacteria, coliphages, algae and parasites. The section also provides support services for operator laboratories at treatment plants, as well as training, auditing and advisory services relating to water quality monitoring.
As the Gold Coast is a water-based city, the management of natural water assets is critical to its future. Consequently, the inclusion of Allconnex Water's Scientific Services in the commercial and structural organisation of the Smart Water Research Centre, provides a unique opportunity to create an integrated centre for excellence in water management that offers water research, sampling and analytical testing, and consulting services at the one location. The collaboration between Allconnex Water Scientific Services and Smart Water Research Centre will also facilitate the modernisation and expansion of the Scientific Services laboratory under the changed environment presented by the SEQ Water Reform.
Forward Directions
- Scientific Services is accredited with the National Association of Testing Authorities (NATA) to meet ISO/IEC 17025 laboratory standards and also fully complies with ISO Quality Management (9001) and Environmental Management (14001) requirements. The section has an established track record for conducting testing both in-situ, and in the laboratory, and will be seeking to expand the range of accredited tests and sample matrices that can be analysed in the future.
- Scientific Services currently undertakes its own in-house research to improve analytical tests used in water quality monitoring, and will provide analytical support services for research programs undertaken at the Smart Water Research Centre. Scientific Services will assist with the development of practical applications for water quality monitoring systems developed within the Smart Water Research Centre including ecotoxicological bioassays and genetic toxicity tests. The section will also assist with monitoring programs involved in the validation of new and emerging treatment technologies and online monitoring systems.
- The location of Scientific Services within the Smart Water Research Centre will facilitate the section's participation in emerging opportunities in the market place and provide a greater capacity to satisfy these new market needs.
