Procedures and resources for existing clients
New clients that have not worked with the Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory before can get started by submitting this form.
Thank you for considering the Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory as part of your research. We recommend that you consult with Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory staff to discuss your project before you begin designing your experiment or samples. If you are preparing a grant, we can provide you with information about the facility and sample costs to use in your submission.
Citing the Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory and Staff
If you publish or present data obtained from the Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory, please include an acknowledgment of this facility in your publication. At minimum:
The co-authors would like to acknowledge the Energy and Environmental Sustainability Laboratories at Penn State, Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory, [staff member names].
Or, more specifically:
Sample analysis was performed at the Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory at Penn State. The co-authors would like to thank [staff member names] for their assistance in [description of work].
If specific staff members have assisted you, please include their names in your acknowledgment section. If they made a significant intellectual contribution, please consider making that staff member a co-author of your report. Examples of a significant intellectual contribution include: helping develop new methods, helping to design the experiment, selecting or collecting samples of interest, analyzing or interpreting data, or writing/revising a portion of the paper.
Quick Links
How to engage with the laboratory
The laboratory works with Penn State researchers and external partners from industry, government, and other universities. Early discussions help align project goals with analytical approaches, sample requirements, budgets, and timelines.
We recommend that you consult with Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory staff to discuss your project before you begin designing your experiment or collecting samples.
Start a Project
Discuss your project
Connect with ECAL staff to discuss project goals, sample types, analytical requirements, timelines, and expected outcomes.
Plan the work
Determine methods, costs, deliverables, sample preparation requirements, and project schedules.
Submit samples
Coordinate sample documentation, shipment, analysis, reporting, and follow-up consultation.
Proposal and Grant Support
Lab staff can assist researchers during proposal development by providing facility descriptions, analytical planning guidance, sample cost estimates, and letters of collaboration when appropriate.
Early engagement helps ensure that methods, timelines, and budgets are aligned with project goals before proposals are submitted.
Laboratory Resources
Chain of Custody / Analysis Request Form
Required documentation used to track samples and analytical requests.
Facility Description for Grant Writing
Facility overview and laboratory information for proposals and funding applications.
Sample Submission Guidance
Requirements, preparation expectations, shipping recommendations, and planning information.
Contact ECAL
Discuss project fit, analytical methods, sample requirements, and timelines before submitting samples.
Sample Submission Process
Before submission
- Contact ECAL before submitting samples
- Discuss methods and project goals
- Confirm sample requirements and timelines
Documentation
- Complete chain-of-custody information
- Provide sample inventory and project details
- Confirm shipping and storage expectations
Analysis and reporting
- Samples are reviewed and analyzed
- QA/QC procedures are completed
- Results are delivered to the project team
For human biological samples only, please review the infectious disease screening requirements.
Publications, Acknowledgments, and Authorship
When laboratory services contribute to a publication, presentation, or report, researchers should acknowledge the facility and any staff members who supported the work. In some cases, substantial intellectual contributions may warrant co-authorship. The guidance below can help determine appropriate expectations for recognition and collaboration.
Acknowledgments
Projects that use laboratory services should acknowledge the facility and any staff members who contributed to the work in publications, reports, and presentations.
Authorship considerations
Staff who make significant intellectual contributions, such as method development, experimental design, data interpretation, or manuscript preparation, may warrant co-authorship.
Collaborative support
Staff may contribute throughout a project, from planning and sample selection to analysis, interpretation, and reporting. Early discussions can help establish roles, expectations, and publication plans.
Publication Resources
Preparing a manuscript or presentation? Review recommended acknowledgment language, authorship considerations, and examples before publishing work that includes laboratory support.
Why researchers work with us
The high-quality work, consistent reliability, and exceptional customer service provided by the team at the Penn State Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory play a vital role in supporting our research. Their expertise and attention to detail are essential to advancing studies on environmental contaminants such as PFAS, pesticides, and pharmaceuticals in rural streams and soils.
Agricultural Engineer, USDA-ARS-Pasture Systems and Watershed Management Research Unit
The Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory team brought both expertise and passion to their work, meeting our needs with skill and care. Their results were of the highest quality, delivered with precision and timeliness.
Associate Research Professor
Larson Pennsylvania Transportation Institute
Ready to work with ECAL?
Contact the laboratory to discuss your project, proposal, sample submission needs or analytical requirements.