Laboratory Equipment
We offer a specialized infrastructure for the development of analytical methods and high-precision environmental analyses. Our laboratory is equipped with two ICP-MS systems for trace and isotopic analysis, one ICP-OES for robust multi-element determinations, and two CV-AFS instruments dedicated to the ultra-trace quantification of mercury and arsenic. We also employ DGT samplers for in situ assessments, and tools for chemical speciation and fractionation studies.
We support internal research and collaborations with other institutions, offering technical and scientific expertise for the analysis of metals, metalloids, and trace elements in soils, waters, and biological samples. If you are interested in partnerships or specific analytical support, feel free to contact us.
ICAP RQ single Quadrupole ICP-MS
Soil analysis, elemental analysis, food analysis, quality assurance, trait analysis, environmental analysis, water analysis, speciation analysis, multielement analysis and Nanoparticle analysis
ICAP Q ICP-MS
- Soil analysis, elemental analysis, food analysis, quality assurance, trait analysis, environmental analysis, water analysis, speciation analysis and multielement analysis
ETHOS EASY Microwave Digestion
Microwave system with rotating diffuser to ensure homogeneous distribution of microwaves in the oven cavity. MAXI-44: high productivity rotor with 44 100 mL TFM-PTFE bottles and capacity of 35 bar and 300 ºC.
ETHOS UP Microwave Digestion
- Microwave system with rotating diffuser to ensure homogeneous distribution of microwaves in the oven cavity. SK-15: High pressure rotor with 15 100 mL TFM-PTFE bottles with a capacity of 100 bar and 300°C. PTFE video camera for protection.
Ultrafreezer
It allows long-term preservation of biological products, offering maximum storage volume with the smallest structure, optimizing laboratory space without compromising capacity. With a temperature range of -50°C to -82°C and an internal volume of 526 liters, this equipment ensures the safe conservation of sensitive samples. The system features advanced alarm control, continuous monitoring and improved accessibility, providing greater safety and reliability for critical applications in research, biotechnology, pharmaceuticals and sample banks.
Cold vapour atomic fluorescence spectroscopy
- Atomic Fluorescence Spectroscopy (AFS) which offers many advantages over techniques for the determination of mercury and the hydride forming elements including better sensitivity, selectivity and linearity.
Alpha 1-2 LD plus freeze dryer
The Alpha 1-2 LD plus Freeze Dryer is a laboratory equipment designed for freeze drying, allowing the freeze drying of heat-sensitive substances. Freeze drying removes water and other solvents from frozen products through the process of sublimation. Sublimation occurs when water in a solid state is converted directly into water vapor, without passing through the liquid state.
- The 6875 Freezer/Mill is a larger cryogenic grinder with a self-contained liquid nitrogen tub and insulated case. It has one dual purpose chamber that precools and grinds samples from 0.1 to 100 grams. Optional auto-fill system is available to automatically fill the bath with liquid nitrogen. Typical samples include: Animal tissue, plastic and polymers, yeast, pharmaceuticals, food products, electronic components, textiles, hair, teeth, bones, plant tissue such as cannabis, seeds, leaves and roots.
Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films (DGT)
Diffusive Gradients in Thin-films (DGT) is an analytical technique used to measure the bioavailable fraction of metals, nutrients and other compounds in water, soil and sediments. Based on the principle of controlled diffusion through a gel, DGT allows the evaluation of the effective concentration of these elements in the environment, simulating the absorption process by organisms. Because it is implemented directly in the study environment, it provides in situ data with high representativeness and sensitivity.
- The DMA measure the mechanical properties of materials as a function of time, temperature, and frequency. In addition to quantifying viscoelastic properties of materials, DMA can also quantify finished component and product characteristics, reflecting the important contribution that processing has on end-use product performance.
Mercury speciation
For HPLC speciation of mercury, a column suitable for the separation of the organo-mercury species is connected to an HPLC pump fitted with solvent handing accessory and manual injection valve. The column outlet is connected to the PSA 10.025 Millennium Merlin where the separated mercury species are oxidised to Mercury²+. Stannous chloride is added in the gas liquid separator where Mercury° vapour is released which is measured, using AFS operating in continuous flow mode. With a simple interface, and compatible flow rates, the accessory facilitates speciation studies (Hg, As, Se, Sb, Bi, etc), online digestion (heat and UV), as well as a variety of post column reactions.