Nutrient and Dissolved Gases (DO, H2S) Analytical Laboratory

The Nutrient and Dissolved Gases Analytical Lab of IO quantifies nutrients (nitrate+nitrite, nitrite, orthophosphate, silicate, ammonium), Total and Dissolved Nitrogen (TN and DON) and Phosphorus (TP and DOP), Dissolved Oxygen (DO) and sulfides concentrations in environmental samples. The facility for nutrient analyses operates a four-channel segmented flow AA3 HR Autoanalyzer, an advanced five-channel segmented flow QuAAtro39 Autoanalyzer, and two UV/Vis spectrophotometers for the determination of dissolved nutrient concentrations in aquatic ecosystems ranging from groundwater to the open ocean. The facilities used in the lab have ultra low detection limits for performing accurate measurements of nutrients TN, DON, TP and DOP in the oligotrophic seawaters of the Eastern Mediterranean Sea.

The Lab is continuously certified by the Hellenic Accreditation System SA – ESYD according to ELOT EN ISO/IEC 17025:2005, since 2007 and follows Quality Control/Quality Assurance procedures. The accuracy of the analyses is confirmed through the participation in international intercalibration exercises (QUASIMEME) and the use of certified reference materials.

For the determination of DO, samples are first taken from the sampling bottle with the recommended precautions to prevent any biological activity and gas exchanges with the atmosphere and ‘fixed’ immediately after collection, on board with the Winkler method. Sulfides are measured on board, photometrically using a Vis/UV spectrophotometer.