Capabilities
The Analytical Chemistry Lab Service provides a dedicated and highly skilled group of analysts, advanced analytical technology and high quality standards (UKAS-accredited to ISO17025:2017). We carry out chemical analyses in a wide range of matrices including: water, soils, air, animals, plants. We analyse chemical parameters such as: (i) pH, conductivity; (ii) nutrients – Dissolved Organic Carbon (DOC), Total Nitrogen (TN), phosphates, anions; (iii) trace metals, metal nanoparticles; (iv) organic compounds and pesticides such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs), perfluorinated compounds (PFCs), rodenticides, algal toxins; and (v) stable isotopes in solid and gases samples. We can now analyse and quantify more than 100 pesticides.
Lifecycle
Existing UKCEH expertise was combined in 2007 to provide a holistic and ongoing Analytical Chemistry Lab Service to support UKCEH research. Equipment is maintained and replaced on a constant cycle, either at end-of-life or as newer technologies become available.
Uniqueness
State-of-the-art instruments in the Analytical Chemistry Lab Service at Lancaster are not individually unique, rather their combination creates a unique service capability: to analyse a wide range of matrices; to conduct a wide range of analyses; to detect very low concentrations; to provide skilled analysts with vast experience in the analyses of environmental samples, making it possible to quickly adapt and develop new methods to answer new scientific questions.
Partners
For stable isotope work, the UKCEH Analytical Chemistry Lab Service is part of the National Environmental Isotope Facility (NEIF).
Access
Potential users can contact the UKCEH Analytical Chemistry Lab Service to assess availability, feasibility and cost of the analyses required:
Location
The Analytical Chemistry Lab Service central hub is based at UKCEH Lancaster University, with satellite labs at other UKCEH locations.
Funding sources
UKRI-NERC National Capability (LTSS): UK-SCaPE programme.
Users
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The main users of the Analytical Chemistry Lab Service are UKCEH staff and students. Other users include UK universities and research institutes, and to a lesser extense the private sector.
Last updated
11 November 2022 16:19
