Our laboratories
SEPA has a network of four chemistry laboratories and seven
biology laboratories, with more than 2,500m2 of lab
space, £12m worth of scientific equipment (excluding our
hydrometric network) and a survey vessel with a fleet of smaller
craft.
Our experts cover many fields of science, including hydrology,
chemistry, ecology, algology, ecotoxicology, hydromorphology,
hydrogeology, and oceanography. Our scientists analyse a wide range
of samples collected from across Scotland's air, land and water
environments. We test for more than 500 individual chemical
parameters and the levels of 2,000 plants and animals in marine,
freshwater and terrestrial habitats. We also conduct analyses
of solid waste arisings and audit check analyses of gaseous
emissions to atmosphere.
In a typical year, we collect around 50,000 samples and deliver
700,000 determinations to support our statutory monitoring (EC
directives), our general duty to assess and report on the state of
Scotland's environment, and our duty to inform and assess
compliance with licence conditions.
In this section of our website you can find out more about our
scientific operations in: