The U.S. Geological Survey laboratory for the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) uses cutting-edge techniques to analyze environmental samples including tissues, plasma, water, and soils to undertake and support research projects across the country.
Can the USGS analyze my rock/water/soil sample?
The USGS has over 500 laboratories, but most of them only conduct research in support of the USGS mission. A small number offer laboratory services to other government agencies, partners, and collaborators. An even smaller number will process samples (for a fee) for the general public. Contact individual laboratories directly to ask what services they provide.
Labs that accept samples from the public include (but aren't limited to):
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Where can I get my well water tested?
Some counties offer free well water testing, so check with your county first. If they don't, use this EPA website to find a list of state-certified laboratories in your area that do water testing, or contact your county or state health department or your State Certification Officer for assistance. Prices will vary depending on the laboratory and the test(s), but most people consider the cost to be...
Can you identify my rock or mineral?
Rocks and minerals must be examined in person from all perspectives for accurate identification; they are extremely difficult to identify through photographs. You will get the best results by taking your rock or mineral to a local source where it can be handled and examined closely. Possibilities include: Your state geological survey A natural science museum A college or university with a geology...
I think I found a meteorite. How can I tell for sure?
Meteorites are fragments of rock or metal that fall to Earth from space. They are very rare, but many people find unusual rocks or pieces of metal and wonder if they might have found a meteorite. The USGS doesn't verify meteorites, but they have several properties that help distinguish them from other rocks: Density : Meteorites are usually quite heavy for their size, since they contain metallic...
How can I tell if I have found an impact crater?
There are many natural processes other than impacts that can create circular features and depressions on the surface of the Earth. Examples include glaciation, volcanism, sinkholes, atolls, salt domes, intrusions, and hydrothermal explosions (to name just a few). Prehistoric mines and quarries are also sometimes mistaken for impact craters. Although the USGS has been involved in impact crater...
Where can I obtain soil surveys?
A soil survey is the systematic description, classification, and mapping of soils in an area. They are published by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) , formerly known as the Soil Conservation Service. NRCS soil surveys are available from several sources: Some are on the NRCS website . Published soil surveys can be found at some libraries or borrowed through interlibrary loan...
USGS Laboratory for the Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
The U.S. Geological Survey laboratory for the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) uses cutting-edge techniques to analyze environmental samples including tissues, plasma, water, and soils to undertake and support research projects across the country.
Reston stable isotope lab (RSIL): Delta V Plus Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer and peripherals at the Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory
linkDelta V Plus Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer and peripherals that include two elemental analyzers, modified GasBench, and combiPAL.
Reston stable isotope lab (RSIL): Delta V Plus Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer and peripherals at the Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory
linkDelta V Plus Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer and peripherals that include two elemental analyzers, modified GasBench, and combiPAL.
View of main sample analysis area of the New Mexico Water Science Center’s Sediment Laboratory
View of main sample analysis area of the New Mexico Water Science Center’s Sediment Laboratory.
View of main sample analysis area of the New Mexico Water Science Center’s Sediment Laboratory.
USGS Argon Geochronology Laboratory in Denver
Research Geologist Leah Morgan working in the USGS Argon Geochronology Laboratory in Denver
Research Geologist Leah Morgan working in the USGS Argon Geochronology Laboratory in Denver
Related Content
Where can I get my well water tested?
Some counties offer free well water testing, so check with your county first. If they don't, use this EPA website to find a list of state-certified laboratories in your area that do water testing, or contact your county or state health department or your State Certification Officer for assistance. Prices will vary depending on the laboratory and the test(s), but most people consider the cost to be...
Can you identify my rock or mineral?
Rocks and minerals must be examined in person from all perspectives for accurate identification; they are extremely difficult to identify through photographs. You will get the best results by taking your rock or mineral to a local source where it can be handled and examined closely. Possibilities include: Your state geological survey A natural science museum A college or university with a geology...
I think I found a meteorite. How can I tell for sure?
Meteorites are fragments of rock or metal that fall to Earth from space. They are very rare, but many people find unusual rocks or pieces of metal and wonder if they might have found a meteorite. The USGS doesn't verify meteorites, but they have several properties that help distinguish them from other rocks: Density : Meteorites are usually quite heavy for their size, since they contain metallic...
How can I tell if I have found an impact crater?
There are many natural processes other than impacts that can create circular features and depressions on the surface of the Earth. Examples include glaciation, volcanism, sinkholes, atolls, salt domes, intrusions, and hydrothermal explosions (to name just a few). Prehistoric mines and quarries are also sometimes mistaken for impact craters. Although the USGS has been involved in impact crater...
Where can I obtain soil surveys?
A soil survey is the systematic description, classification, and mapping of soils in an area. They are published by the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) , formerly known as the Soil Conservation Service. NRCS soil surveys are available from several sources: Some are on the NRCS website . Published soil surveys can be found at some libraries or borrowed through interlibrary loan...
USGS Laboratory for the Analysis of Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS)
The U.S. Geological Survey laboratory for the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) uses cutting-edge techniques to analyze environmental samples including tissues, plasma, water, and soils to undertake and support research projects across the country.
The U.S. Geological Survey laboratory for the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) uses cutting-edge techniques to analyze environmental samples including tissues, plasma, water, and soils to undertake and support research projects across the country.
Reston stable isotope lab (RSIL): Delta V Plus Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer and peripherals at the Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory
linkDelta V Plus Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer and peripherals that include two elemental analyzers, modified GasBench, and combiPAL.
Reston stable isotope lab (RSIL): Delta V Plus Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer and peripherals at the Reston Stable Isotope Laboratory
linkDelta V Plus Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer and peripherals that include two elemental analyzers, modified GasBench, and combiPAL.
View of main sample analysis area of the New Mexico Water Science Center’s Sediment Laboratory
View of main sample analysis area of the New Mexico Water Science Center’s Sediment Laboratory.
View of main sample analysis area of the New Mexico Water Science Center’s Sediment Laboratory.
USGS Argon Geochronology Laboratory in Denver
Research Geologist Leah Morgan working in the USGS Argon Geochronology Laboratory in Denver
Research Geologist Leah Morgan working in the USGS Argon Geochronology Laboratory in Denver