for Waste Management / Water 
Quality Sampling and Evaluation

I. Mission

The mission of this laboratory is to support research and extension activities within chemical analytical services. The laboratory staff are dedicated to providing precise, accurate, and timely analyses of environmental samples. The laboratory staff are committed to performing this work under strict health and safety protocols, following good laboratory practices.

II. Objectives

  1. Provide laboratory analysis capabilities for waste management / utilization and water quality / environmental studies, including analyses of wastes, waste waters, solid waste, solids and plant tissue.
  2. Provide laboratory space and support personnel for laboratory studies in waste management / utilization and water quality / environmental studies, and for student laboratory exercises as part of the Agricultural Waste Management course, BAE 578.

III. History

This laboratory was originally established in 1969 by Dr. Frank Humenik to perform wet chemistry analysis of waste and waste water samples and provide laboratory space in support of Dr. Humenik's research in animal waste treatment and utilization, and related environmental studies. In 1972, another research position was added, and Dr. Mike Overcash filled this position and shared direction of the lab until 1981. In 1974, an extension position in animal waste management was added, and Dr. Jim Barker has filled this position since that time. The lab has supported several extension demonstration / research projects for Dr. Barker. Dr. Philip Westerman replaced Dr. Humenik in 1975 and Dr. Mac Safley replaced Dr. Overcash in 1981, and thus they inherited direction of the lab. In 1978, an extension position was added in the area of water conservation and domestic and agricultural industry waste management which Dr. Bob Rubin has filled since that time. Dr. Rubin has also received support from this laboratory for his extension activities. Dr. Safley left the Department in 1993. In 1995, Dr. John Classen joined the faculty with specific interest in converting agricultural waste to valuable resources. In 1997, Dr. Jay Cheng joined the faculty with specific interest in agricultural and industrial waste management

Since 1969, this laboratory has supported the research, extension and teaching activities of the above - mentioned persons working in waste management and utilization. It has also provided laboratory support for research and extension projects for several other faculty working in water quality from the BAE department, and for other faculty within and out of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences.

The current permanent staff of the Biological and Environmental Analysis Lab are: Rachel S. Huie (Lab Manager) and Christine H. Hayes (Research Tech), and Indira Thallai (Research Tech). The lab staff can be reached at 515-6766. Faculty Supervisor of the lab is Dr. John Classen (515-6800).


Return to: NCSU or BAE
Revised 3-01
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