Chemicals

Chemicals with negative effects on health and/or environment, represent a serious threat to biological diversity, food supply and human health for generations to come. Users and producers all carry a responsibility for reducing the risks associated with handling and use of such chemicals and Aquateam is able to provide the broad, multidisciplinary knowledge required to deal with the challenges.

Aquateam offers the following knowledge and services:

• Environmental risk assessment of continuous and accidental discharges, including “old sins”.
• Identifying pathways for chemicals in industrial processes and their possibilities for deposition in the water treatment plant and/or in wastewater
• Assessment of the environmental characteristics of chemicals to identify suitable solutions with regard to both environment and the process
• Defining the environmental goals for a company
• Laboratory tests and analysis.

More on Risk Assessments of Chemicals

Environmental Risk Assessment

Aquateam has been dealing with risk assessments in a national and international context since 1990. Our multidisciplinary team of highly qualified experts are continuously supporting national environmental authorities, municipalities and companies with assessment of environmental challenges. Examples are discharges of different chemicals, hazardous substances, nutrients, particles and organic matter to water, contaminated ground, emissions to air (odour problems) and industrial discharges to the municipal wastewater system. Problem description and analysis of pollution sources is either carried out based on existing background information or through environmental examinations by Aquateam. Our laboratory is established and equipped to deal with these type of projects. We perform screening toxicity tests (algae and bacteria), biodegradability assessment as well as potentially bio accumulating substances (PBS) in wastewater. We also carry out a transport distribution analysis which describes channels of exposure to humans and the environment, as well as effect analysis with regard to human exposure and ecotoxicity. The evaluations are made according to current guidelines (the guidelines for risk assessment of contaminated soil, marine sediments, EUS TGD etc. is given by the Norwegian Climate and Pollution Agency). We also perform risk and vulnerability analysis.

Contaminated soil, water, ocean and seabed

Cutting edge knowledge on chemical, consequence and risk assessments provides Aquateam with a solid foundation for dealing with contaminated soil and sediments. Our experience with regulations and regulatory bodies makes Aquateam an attractive partner in preprojects, mapping, engineering and when developing formal applications.

Experienced field personnel ensure accurate sampling and correct interpretation of results.

Follow this link for more on Contaminated soil, water, ocean and seabed.

Odour

Aquateam carries out odour related risk assessments providing a prioritised list of the emissions and potential incidents which may cause the most serious effects on the surroundings. The assessments provide an objective basis for implementing measures where they have the best effect.

We also deliver charting and dispersion analysis to provide a basis for assessing whether a company abides by the odour requirements posed by the authorities or the company itself.

Dispersion analysis can also be utilized in connection with evaluations of odour risk associated with incidents and when performing consequence assessments in connection with building or expansion projects.

Read more about Odour.

Water Bodies

Since our establishment in 1984, Aquateam has been a source of knowledge and experience in the field of environmental assessmens for freshwater and saltwater bodies. Evaluations evaluate both sources of drinking water and water bodies as recipients. The assessment process is tailor made for each customer from test programs (sampling, analyses, water flow measurements, identification of sources of pollution), data assimilation and trend analysis to classification according to the Norwegian Water Directive (Vannforskriften). We also carry out special limnological analysis (eutrophication, discovering risk of toxic algae, reasons for fish death, problems with organic matter, environmental toxins and dredging, etc.), analysis of marine water bodies (harbour areas, discharges from offshore-installations), special analysis with regard to environmental toxins as well as holistic assessments of waterways according to the EU Water Framework Directive (water quality, discharges and measures).

Environmental Monitoring

Our insight into a broad range of water related problems makes Aquateam an ideal partner when it comes to environmental monitoring. We ensure the process from sampling methods to the design of monitoring programs meets with high quality standards.

Industry

When it comes to industrial process water and wastewater, Aquateam has a long track record spanning various industries (food production, pulp & paper and chemical) as well as niche markets such as aircraft deicing at airports. We have also worked on a number of projects dealing with additional fees for industrial wastewater treated through the municipal wastewater systems. As advisors, we cover the complete process from pre-treatment through purification before discharge to the municipal wastewater system or a qualified recipient, to treatment for partial re-use or full re-use (0 emission) in the industrial process. Our process experience covers biological treatment, chemical treatment, evaporation, advanced oxidation processes, separation processes and combinations of these. We run bench scale (treatability) and pilot scale tests, operating assistance, plant start-up as well as pre-engineering work.

Technology Assessment

Aquateam provides assessments of technological solutions for suppliers, authorities and end users both nationally and internationally. In addition to assessments based on existing data sets, experiments are often carried out using lab scale, pilot scale or full scale equipment. We have our own experimental laboratory. Based on Aquateams unique competence in the area of environmental technology, we are able to help companies develop, test and document new environmental technologies. Over the years, Aquateam has been involved with a number of products which are now successful in the global market. We are also experienced in formulating project applications when companies are looking for public R&D funding. Within the area of biological treatment, we also carry out Environmental Technology verification (ETV).