Central laboratory ¶

Our central laboratory employs a wide range of modern analytical methods to reliably examine environmental samples, water samples, plant material, and other research specimens. From wet chemical methods to high-precision mass spectrometry, ion chromatography, and laser absorption spectroscopy, we select the appropriate technique for each research question. Standardized procedures, accredited methods, and careful sample preparation ensure reliable and reproducible results at all times.

The following analysis methods are part of our comprehensive routine analysis:

Photometric Determination of Ammonium and Orthophosphate
In this wet chemical method, ammonium (NH₄⁺) forms a colored compound with specific reagents. The color intensity is measured photometrically and directly corresponds to the concentration in the sample. The same method can be used for orthophosphate (PO₄³⁻).

Ion Chromatography (IC)
Chloride, nitrite, nitrate, phosphate, and sulfate are separated using ion chromatography and detected based on conductivity. This method is particularly suitable for water and environmental samples. With appropriate method development, organic acids and sugars can also be analyzed.

Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry (GC-MS)
Organic compounds are first separated chromatographically and then identified and quantified by mass spectrometry. Typical applications include pesticides, solvents, aromatic compounds, and volatile organic compounds in environmental analysis.

Microwave Digestion
Solid or poorly soluble samples are completely digested under controlled temperature and pressure conditions. This prepares the samples ideally for subsequent analyses such as ICP-OES and ensures standardized, reliable results.

Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)
Metals are analyzed simultaneously as trace and major elements. Samples are introduced into a plasma, which excites the elements and causes them to emit characteristic emission lines. Measuring these lines allows precise quantification of metal concentrations. Plant material requires prior microwave digestion to fully dissolve its components.

Elemental Analysis (CN) and Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometry (IRMS)
CN elemental analysis determines the carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content in solids or liquids. Combined with IRMS, isotope ratios (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N) can be measured to investigate sources, metabolic pathways, or origin determinations. Gasbench-IRMS and GC-IRMS extend this to gaseous or organic samples.

Laser Absorption Spectroscopy (OA-ICOS)
Stable water isotopes (δ²H, δ¹⁸O) are measured directly from liquid water samples. This method is suitable for lakes, rivers, snow, or permafrost samples and provides precise isotope ratios.