Brooks Applied Labs recently unveiled a new method for the quantitation of selenium, arsenic, and chromium in saline waters at concentrations of 5 ng/L (that converts to 0.005 µg/L!). This new capacity to support ultra-trace detection limits for elements predominately existing as anions in saline waters (such as seawater, brackish waters, and brines) will allow our clients and the scientific community to definitively support discharge requirements and investigations for estuaries, bays, near shore and open ocean, and saline lakes. Historically, these detection limits could only be achieved by using complicated and laborious preparatory methods that have a high degree of uncertainty and rely heavily upon reaction chemistry. With this new capability to support both low-level anionic and cationic metal analyses in some of the most difficult aquatic matrices, Brooks Applied Labs is setting what is expected to be the new gold standard for analytical laboratories around the world.

We are so proud to announce that two BAL employees, Frank McFarland and Rick Manson, have reached their 15-year anniversaries with the company! As our VP of Quality, Frank oversees one of BAL's most beloved groups - Quality Assurance. Rick has the joy of constantly asking if you've tried turning it off and back on (you guessed it, he's our IT Manager). They not only help keep BAL running smoothly every day, they also help make it a fun place to work. Each December, Frank dresses up like Ebenezer Scrooge and belts out Christmas carols from his office, and at the end of the month we are all rewarded for our tolerance by receiving a CD of holiday music with songs selected by the staff and custom-curated by Frank! Rick quietly runs everything behind the scenes in a very thoughtful manner. He's always there to lend a hand... or tell you a fun fact about guinea pigs. Sometimes computer issues can be fixed by just a loving word from Rick. They both regularly ride their bikes in to work and are members of Pedal to the Metal, the BAL bicycle team that rides in the MS Bike Ride every year. Luckily, they both started at BAL when they were young pups, so they will both be around for another 15 years! Congratulations to Frank and Rick, and thank you so much for all that you do for BAL!