About Environmental Chemistry

The Environmental Chemistry Laboratories at the Annis Water Resources Institute (AWRI) are state of the art facilities dedicated to environmental analysis and research. Located in Grand Valley State University's new Lake Michigan Center in downtown Muskegon, laboratory areas are available for routine environmental analysis and advanced research projects that involve AWRI staff, University faculty, and student assistants. These laboratories have been designed and equipped for sample preparation, general chemistry, and inorganic and organic instrumental analysis. Current instrumentation available at AWRI includes:

• LC/MS System for Cyanobacteria Toxin Research
• Enzyme-Linked ImmunoSorbent Assay Quantitation System with Plate Reader for Cyanobacteria Toxin Research
• Colilert 2000 System for the Quantitation of E. coli
• Automated Sediment Toxicology Manifold and Laboratory
• Gas Chromatographs for pesticide and PCB analysis
• High Pressure Liquid Chromatographs for organic and pesticide research
• Ion Chromatograph for anion, cation, and nutrient analysis
• Flame Atomic Absorption Spectrometer for trace metal analysis
• GC/MS System with CI & NCI for PCB congener, flame retardant, and general trace organic analysis
• Spectrophotometers, specific ion electrodes, and field equipment

Ongoing research projects by AWRI laboratory staff include environmental fate and transport studies, analytical methods development, nutrient dynamics in aquatic systems, and focused investigations of local and regional pollution problems. Current projects include:

• analysis of cyanobacteria and their associated toxins in drowned river mouth lakes
• monitoring soil solution, soil chemistry and vegetation responses to municipal solid waste leachate applications
• the monitoring of E. coli at beaches on Lake Michigan and Inland Lakes
• the analysis of flame retardants and PCB congeners in fish and sediments in the Great Lakes Basin 
• the degradation of pesticides in turf grass environment
• enhanced photochemical degradation of herbicides as a method of remediation
• nutrient budgets and the influence of nonpoint sources on local streams and rivers
• herbicide residues in groundwater
• heavy metal contamination in sediments

Several of these projects also incorporate GIS mapping and the development of Best Management Practices (BMPs) to improve water quality.

The Annis Water Resources Institute performs a variety of projects for state and local government, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and private industry. Projects range in scope from the analysis of water samples to large multi-year investigations. Our mission is to conduct environmental research that addresses significant issues and concerns related to our region and the Great Lakes.