Laboratories of the Department of Environmental and Aquatic Animal Health are located in Chesapeake Bay Hall and in new facilities in Andrews Hall. Departmental laboratories are equipped with state-of-the-art instrumentation for studies on environmental chemistry, toxicology, genetics, immunology, electron microscopy, pathobiology, and microbiology.

Analytical instrumentation is available to identify and quantify a wide range of organic and inorganic contaminants in water, sediment, and biota. This allows faculty and students to develop new analytical methodologies, detect emerging contaminants, and track pollutants in the environment at trace levels. For example, an atomic absorption spectrophotometer is available for measuring heavy metals at low ambient concentrations. Gas chromatographs, high performance liquid chromatographs, mass spectrometers, and enhanced solvent extractors are maintained for the determination of organic pollutants.

Genetic and molecular analyses of pathogenic organisms are performed using DNA sequencers, PCR thermal cyclers, a real-time PCR system, and associated electrophoretic and imaging equipment. State-of-the-art electron microscopes allow identification of microorganisms (e.g., harmful algae) and ultrastructural analysis of diseased organisms, supplementing traditional light microscopy.

Instrumentation is available for sophisticated research on enzyme systems that play a role in detoxification of chemicals and lipids that are involved in accumulation of hydrophobic chemicals and in resistance to some disease organisms. The immunology laboratory has the capability to produce monoclonal antibodies for a variety of antigens.

The Seawater Research Laboratory provides increased space and substantially expanded opportunities for toxicant and pathogen challenge studies and includes a Level 3 biosafety facility.