The IDAEA has well equipped
mass spectrometry facilities (GC-MS/PI/NI, GC-HRMS, GC-IRMS, GCXGC-ToF-MS,
LC-MS-MS, LC-ToF-MS, Q-ToF), nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR 300 and 500 MHz),
microanalysis service (C, N, S), differential thermal analysis (DTA) and a
plasma reactor.
The EBG has at its sampling equipment for water and sediment. In addition, there are also available
multiparametric probes, and advanced sample preparation techniques such
as solid-phase microextraction, solid-phase extraction, headspace,
supercritical fluid extraction, pressurized solvent and ultrasonic
extraction.
Organic compounds sampling and characterization of molecular markers
A variety of mass spectrometry equipments (i.e quadrupole and time of
flight) coupled with different chromatographic systems (LC, GC and
GCxGC) are available; allowing the identification of unknown
substances, such as contaminants and their degradation products, or
molecular markers. These techniques coupled to chemometric
methodologies allow the retrievement of valuable information regarding
sample origin, degradation state of compounds and identification of
dominant biogeochemical processes.
Analysis of organic
microcontaminants
Methodologies for the analysis of trace contaminants, classic and emergent, in
various environmental matrices, are available.
Identification
of accidental hydrocarbon spills in marine ecosystems
The origin of oil spills and its derivatives in the marine ecosystems, and
ageing processes are identified making use of indexes of diagnostic of
molecular markers.
Oil Spill Identification
The Laboratory of Marine Geochemistry from
the EBG is accredited by ENAC according with the ISO 17025 for the characterization
of oil spills in the aquatic environment following the CEN/TR15522-2
(Oil spill identification – Waterborne petroleum
and petroleum products).
Determination of Organometallic Compounds
Analytical instrumentation is available for total mercury determination
(Advanced Mercury Analyzer), organomercury species (GC-Py-CVAFS), organotin
(GC-FPD) and organolead compounds (GC-MS) in environmental matrices and human
hair.
Pollutant photochemistry
A
Suntest equipment that simulates solar radiation through a xenon lamp (500
W/m2) is available for the study of photooxidation kinetics, half-life and
by-product formation.
Bioassay directed fraction analysis for toxic
compounds identification in complex environmental matrixes
There
is an established technique for the identification of compounds responsible of
toxic effects combining chemical fractionation with short-term bioassays or
through cell toxicity assays.