About the Lab
The Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory (ECAL) provides advanced chemical analysis for environmental and biological samples, materials, consumer products, and packaging to identify, characterize, and quantify contaminants of concern. Expertise in method development, optimization, and validation supported by a rigorous quality assurance and quality control program underpins all analyses, ensuring the generation of robust, reproducible, and defensible data.
Work with us
ECAL serves Penn State researchers and external partners from industry, academia, and government.
Core Capabilities
Contaminant analysis
Detection, identification and characterization of trace chemicals and contaminants across environmental, biological, and product derived matrices, including but not limited to:
- PFAS and other fluorinated compounds
- Microplastics, nanoplastics and particle-bound chemicals
- Plasticizers, additives, flame retardants, stabilizers
- Pharmaceuticals and personal care products
- Pesticides and herbicides
- Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons
- Volatile and semi-volatile organic compounds
Analytical Techniques
Instrumentation and workflows that support targeted and non-targeted analytical questions
Applications
We help researchers and partners address questions involving chemical composition, contaminant screening, and material performance.
Food and packaging
Contaminant screening for packaging, films, wrappers, and food-contact materials
Materials and manufacturing
Chemical profiling for composites, coatings, adhesives, insulation, and polymer components
Environmental monitoring
Analysis of water, soil, biosolids, and environmental materials for contaminants
Agriculture and natural resources
Testing for agricultural films, seed coatings, irrigation components, and related materials
Work With ECAL
Learn how to engage with the laboratory, discuss project ideas, access proposal support, submit samples, and connect with staff.
Start a conversation
Connect with ECAL staff to discuss project goals, sample needs, and analytical fit.
Plan the work
Review sample requirements, timelines, proposal needs, chain of custody, and reporting expectations.
Submit samples and receive results
Coordinate sample submission, analysis, QA/QC documentation, and follow-up interpretation.
Impact Stories
Lab-supported projects in the news
What Partners are Saying
The Environmental Contaminants Analytical Laboratory was an invaluable partner in analyzing over 600 wetland water samples. Their flexibility in developing new methodologies, combined with Odette Mina’s expertise and support from start to finish, made complex analyses seamless and highly reliable.
Assistant Professor, Geography
ECAL provides a supportive environment for our students, ensuring they are trained to process their samples and produce high-quality data. The excellence of the entire team gives me confidence that with ECAL, Penn State researchers can tackle urgent PFAS research questions.
Professor, Agricultural & Biological Engineering
Contact us
Connect with staff to discuss project needs, sample requirements, available methods, and next steps.
Instrumentation Lab
242 Energy and Environment Laboratory Building
753 Hastings Road
University Park, PA 16802
Sample Preparation Lab
269 Energy and Environment Laboratory Building
753 Hastings Road
University Park, PA 16802
