First Request
In the first inquiry you briefly describe the objectives of the possible investigation. We can explain the potential methods to you, assess the chances of success and give you an approximate price range. The information is usually sufficient for the creation of a preliminary price offer.
Background Information and Concept
We create a detailed investigation concept based on further detailed information about the location, objectives, time frame and budget. A multi-stage approach with optional services is often considered.
Order and Sampling
After the order has been placed, you will receive a detailed sampling report from us and, if necessary, sampling containers. After collection by trained personnel, send the fixed samples to our laboratory. Cooling is only necessary in rare cases (e.g. with BACTRAPS).
Analysis
Depending on the monitoring tools and the number of samples, 2 weeks (e.g. express processing of CSIA) to 28 weeks (e.g. microcosms) may be required for data delivery. For component-specific isotope analyses, we need the concentrations of the target compounds in advance.
Processing Time
As a time frame for contaminated site investigations as well as for drinking water investigations, you should generally plan 1 – 2 months for the analysis and 2 – 4 weeks for the report after sampling. If special time-consuming analysis methods are used, up to 3 additional months may be required for the completion of the project. This includes the 14C and 85Kr analysis (for drinking water investigations). The specific data delivery depends on the occupancy of our analysical instruments. We will be ready to draw up an individual schedule for the expected course of your project. Express orders with a surcharge can be processed with priority.
Expertise
As soon as analytical results are available, we will obtain further detailed information from you. The interpretation of the data requires a careful examination of the overall procedure, certain site conditions (e.g. flow direction, environmental conditions) and suitable calculation parameters (e.g. isotopic enrichment factor, different flow models).
Consultation
We will discuss the final report with you in order to achieve optimal comprehensibility and to formulate clear, decision-relevant conclusions. The core statements are summarized on 1 page and build on differentiated conclusions in the main part. The basics, literature and analysis methods are presented in detail in the appendix.
Project Closure
Finally, we can explain and discuss the report in more detail in a meeting with site owners, environmental authorities, and consultants. Discussing the results together orally can be a crucial step in defining future strategies and actions.