Guidance

Standing Committee of Analysts (SCA) blue books

Methods for the examination of waters and associated materials.

Published 5 June 2014
Last updated 2 October 2014 — see all updates

• From: Environment Agency

This publication was withdrawn on 13 November 2018

The Standing Committee of Analysts (SCA) now sits outside of the Environment Agency and of government. See the SCA website for authoritative information on methods of sampling and analysis.

Documents

The Microbiology of Drinking Water (2012) - Part 7 - Methods for the enumeration of heterotrophic bacteria

Ref: Blue Book 238 PDF, 918KB, 29 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Drinking Water (2012) - Part 5 - Methods for the Isolation and enumeration of enterococci

Ref: Blue Book 237 PDF, 947KB, 31 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Index of Methods for the Examination of Waters and Associated Materials 1976 - 2011

Ref: Blue Book 236 PDF, 982KB, 106 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The determination of cyanide and thiocyanate in soils and similar matrices (2011)

Ref: Blue Book 235 PDF, 803KB, 60 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Drinking Water (2010) - Part 14 - Methods for the isolation, identification and enumeration of Cryptosporidium oocysts and Giardia cysts

Ref: Blue Book 234 PDF, 1.88MB, 132 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The determination of taste and odour in drinking waters (2010)

Ref: Blue Book 233 PDF, 1.69MB, 42 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Drinking Water (2010) - Part 2 - Practices and procedures for sampling

Ref: Blue Book 232 PDF, 1.29MB, 36 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Drinking Water (2010) - Part 8 - The isolation and enumeration of Aeromonas and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by membrane filtration

Ref: Blue Book 231 PDF, 984KB, 40 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Drinking Water (2010) - Part 6 - Methods for the isolation and enumeration of sulphite-reducing clostridia and Clostridium perfringens by membrane filtration

Ref: Blue Book 230 PDF, 1.12MB, 32 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The determination of easily liberated sulphide in soils and similar matrices (2010)

Ref: Blue Book 228 PDF, 755KB, 48 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The determination of acrylamide in waters using chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (2009)

Ref: Blue Book 227 PDF, 545KB, 16 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The determination of metaldehyde in waters using chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (2009)

Ref: Blue Book 226 PDF, 945KB, 52 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The direct toxicity assessment of aqueous environmental samples using the Skeletonema costatum marine algal growth inhibition test (2009)

Ref: Blue Book 225 PDF, 716KB, 32 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Drinking Water (2009) - Part 4 - Methods for the isolation and enumeration of coliform bacteria and Escherichia coli (including E. coli O157:H7)

Ref: Blue Book 223 PDF, 1.46MB, 104 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The determination of steroid oestrogens in waters using chromatography and mass spectrometry (2008)

Ref: Blue Book 220 PDF, 904KB, 58 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The direct toxicity assessment of aqueous environmental samples using the Skeletonema costatum marine algal growth inhibition test (2009) growth inhibition test (2008)

Ref: Blue Book 219 PDF, 702KB, 32 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Chemical disinfecting agents in waters and effluents (2008)

Ref: Blue Book 218 PDF, 855KB, 70 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

An inter-laboratory trial on chemical oxygen demand determinations (2007)

Ref: Blue Book 216 PDF, 2.14MB, 52 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The determination of chemical oxygen demand in waters and effluents (2007)

Ref: Blue Book 215 PDF, 2.16MB, 66 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The determination of cyanide in waters and associated materials (2007)

Ref: Blue Book 214 PDF, 777KB, 44 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Drinking Water (2007) - Part 13 - The isolation and enumeration of aerobic spore-forming bacteria by membrane filtration

Ref: Blue Book 211 PDF, 642KB, 14 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The direct toxicity assessment of aqueous environmental samples using the marine copepod Tisbe battagliai lethality test (2007)

Ref: Blue Book 210 PDF, 1020KB, 34 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The direct toxicity assessment of aqueous environmental samples using the oyster (Crassostrea gigas) embryo-larval development test (2007)

Ref: Blue Book 209 PDF, 1.85MB, 36 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The direct toxicity assessment of aqueous environmental samples using the juvenile Daphnia magna immobilisation test (2007)

Ref: Blue Book 208 PDF, 1.14MB, 36 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Determination of the inhibitory effect of chemicals, industrial and other waste waters on nitrification by Nitrosomonas bacteria (2006)

Ref: Blue Book 207 PDF, 670KB, 24 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Drinking Water (2006) - Part 9 - Methods for the isolation and enumeration of Salmonella and Shigella by selective enrichment, membrane filtration and multiple tube-most probable number techniques

Ref: Blue Book 206 PDF, 865KB, 38 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The determination of metals in solid environmental samples (2006)

Ref: Blue Book 204 PDF, 1.53MB, 100 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The preparation and pre-treatment of potentially contaminated soils prior to chemical analysis (2006)

Ref: Blue Book 201 PDF, 553KB, 22 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The determination of Legionella bacteria in waters and other environmental samples (2005) - Part 1 - Rationale of surveying and sampling

Ref: Blue Book 200 PDF, 749KB, 42 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The assessment of aerobic biodegradability by measurement of dissolved and/or gaseous inorganic carbon in sealed vessels (2005)

Ref: Blue Book 199 PDF, 680KB, 26 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Guidance on the measurement of tritium in environmental samples (2005)

Ref: Blue Book 198 PDF, 713KB, 20 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Drinking Water (2004) - Part 12 - Methods for the isolation and enumeration of micro-organisms associated with taste, odour and related aesthetic problems

Ref: Blue Book 197 PDF, 1.05MB, 34 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Drinking Water (2004) - Part 11 - Taste, odour and related aesthetic problems

Ref: Blue Book 196 PDF, 791KB, 20 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Sewage Sludge (2004) - Part 4 - Methods for the detection, isolation and enumeration of Salmonellae

Ref: Blue Book 195 PDF, 1.02MB, 40 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

A guide to practices, procedures and methodologies following oil spill contamination incidents (2004)

Ref: Blue Book 193 PDF, 4.77MB, 108 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Sewage Sludge (2003) - Part 3 - Methods for the isolation and enumeration of Escherichia coli, including verocytotoxigenic Escherichia coli

Ref: Blue Book 190 PDF, 901KB, 44 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Sewage Sludge (2003) - Part 2 - Practices and procedures for sampling and sample preparation

Ref: Blue Book 189 PDF, 687KB, 24 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Sewage Sludge (2003) - Part 1 - An overview of the treatment and use in agriculture of sewage sludge in relation to its impact on the environment and public health

Ref: Blue Book 188 PDF, 727KB, 30 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The determination of polychlorinated biphenyls by gas chromatography using mass spectrometric detection (2003)

Ref: Blue Book 187 PDF, 1.13MB, 48 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The determination of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons in soil by dichloromethane extraction using gas chromatography with mass spectrometric detection (2003)

Ref: Blue Book 186 PDF, 742KB, 26 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Drinking Water (2002) - Part 10 - Methods for the isolation of Yersinia, Vibrio and Campylobacter by selective enrichment

Ref: Blue Book 185 PDF, 603KB, 32 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Drinking Water (2002) - Part 3 - Practices and procedures for laboratories

Ref: Blue Book 178 PDF, 826KB, 70 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Drinking Water (2002) - Part 1 - Water Quality and Public Health

Ref: Blue Book 176 PDF, 684KB, 50 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The Microbiology of Recreational and Environmental Waters (2000)

Ref: Blue Book 175 PDF, 809KB, 45 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The determination of organochlorine pesticides and polychlorinated biphenyls in waters and complex matrices (2000)

Ref: Blue Book 174 PDF, 1.19MB, 34 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The determination of tritium (tritiated water) activity concentration by alkaline distillation and liquid scintillation counting (1999)

Ref: Blue Book 173 PDF, 486KB, 5 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

The assessment of taste, odour and related aesthetic problems in drinking waters 1998

Ref: Blue Book 171 PDF, 725KB, 22 pages

This file may not be suitable for users of assistive technology. Request an accessible format.

If you use assistive technology (such as a screen reader) and need a version of this document in a more accessible format, please email enquiries@environment-agency.gov.uk. Please tell us what format you need. It will help us if you say what assistive technology you use.

Details

The Standing Committee of Analysts (SCA) provides guidance on recommended methods of sampling and analysis of waters and effluents, sewage sludges, sediments, soils (including contaminated land) and biota. These are known as ‘blue books’.

The Environment Agency sponsors and provides support to SCA. For any questions about SCA please contact mark.gale@environment-agency.gov.uk.

Published 5 June 2014
Last updated 2 October 2014 + show all updates

1. 2 October 2014 Removed link to Standing Committee of Analysts (SCA) feedback survey which has now closed.
2. 30 June 2014 Added link to Standing Committee of Analysts (SCA) feedback survey.
3. 5 June 2014 First published.