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The Government Laboratory supports the implementation of the various
environmental programmes and the enforcement of environmental protection
legislation through the provision of analytical and advisory services.
It analyses environmental pollutants in a wide range of samples including
air, water, sediment, biota and trade effluents. On-site support is also
provided round-the-clock to assist in the handling of emergencies involving
chemical spills or suspected emission of noxious or irritating gases.
In 2003, the Laboratory performed a total of 274 184
tests on environmental samples, exceeding the original estimate by around
4 per cent. The increase in workload reflects the active participation
of the Laboratory in various ad hoc projects. A notable one involves the
study of the volatile organic compounds emitted during the refuelling
process in petrol filling stations. The data generated is essential, and
has to be studied before new measures can be introduced for the long-term
reduction of total volatile organic emissions in the vicinity of the stations.
Another project was carried out in collaboration with the Hong Kong Polytechnic
University to analyse the trace organic pollutants in particulates collected
in road tunnels. Results obtained will help to provide a better understanding
of the air quality in tunnels that have heavy traffic.
As a continuous commitment to the marine monitoring
in the area, the Laboratory works closely with the EPD and the Mainland's
State Oceanic Administration (SOA). In 2003, the Laboratory participated
in the method validation exercise and the annual national inter-laboratory
calibration work with satisfactory results. The technical meeting held
in Dalian in March provided a firm basis for future participation in the
National Marine Environment Monitoring Network. |
