Services

The Department of Environmental Sciences offers contract work for partners from industry, academia, public services and other customers. Our laboratories are specialised in inorganic and organic analytical chemistry, radiochemistry and isotope ratio analysis.  Beside analytical services, we also provide strategic environmental assessment, consulting and project assistance in areas of environmental analysis, management of natural resources, eco-technologies, food research and authentication, and public health.

  • Organic analysis

    We offer development and validation of analytical methods including sample preparation based on gas and liquid chromatography coupled to mass spectrometry for determination of organic pollutants (persistent organic pollutants and compounds, including pharmaceutical and personal care residues, industrial chemicals, endocrine disruptive compounds etc.) in different matrices.

  • Multielemental analysis

    Depending upon the matrix and requirements, we provide multielemental analysis using mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or k0-instrumental neutron activation analysis (k0-INAA). Samples of water, soil, geological materials, plant and animal tissues, human body fluids (blood, milk, urine etc.), food, plastics, raw materials and waste materials can be analysed.

  • Element speciation

    Speciation of redox-sensitive elements and ionic complexes in solutions, biological materials and solid samples are routinely determined for elements such as As, Se, Cr, Hg, Sn and others using appropriate extraction procedures and analytical methods.

  • Mercury analyses

    Total mercury concentrations and mercury speciation are routinely measured in atmosphere and stack gasses (gaseous elemental Hg, gaseous oxidised Hg and Hg bound to particulate matter) . In water samples (surface water, groundwater, waste water precipitation) total dissolved and dissolved elemental Hg, reactive Hg by SnCl2 and NaBH4, monomethyl-Hg by ethylation and hydration method and dimethyl-Hg can be determined.

  • Radionuclides

    Radiochemistry laboratory has over 40 years of experience in development and application of various radiochemical separation methods and measurements of various natural and man-made radionuclides in different sample matrices, as well as in development and application of k0 instrumental neutron activation analysis (k0-INAA) and radiochemical neutron activation analysis (RNAA).

  • Stable isotope analyses of light elements (H, C, N, O, S)

    We offer routine analyses of stable isotope composition of light elements (2H/1H, 13C/12C, 15N/14N, 18O/16O and 34S/32S) for environmental studies, hydrology, isotope ecology, food authenticity and adulteration, archaeology and forensic studies. 

  • “Non-traditional” stable isotopes

    We offer isotope ratio analysis of Hg, Sr and Pb using multicollector ICP-MS.

  • Colloid Biology

    Our Colloid biology lab is focused on molecular microbiology techniques including the isolation and characterization of bacteria, cell surface modifications, flow cytometry, particle size and charge measurements, microfluidics, fluorescent microscopy, and automated absorbance/fluorescence/luminescence essays. Modern molecular biological techniques include gene and genome sequencing, real-time qPCR, DNA fingerprinting (electrophoresis), DNA quantification, and quality check.

  • Isotope production

    In our nuclear facility (250 kW TRIGA Mark II research reactor), we can produce 197Hg from enriched 196Hg, 75Se from 74Se and 99Mo/99mTc from 98Mo for tracer experiments.

  • Nano aerosols

    We offer routine measurements of the number concentration of nano aerosols and size distribution of aerosol particles in the size range from 5 to 1100 nm in outdoor air (at emission sources, e.g. roads, technological and power plants) and indoors (homes and workplaces).

  • Pro bono consulting

    Modelling, Risk Assessment and Environmental Impact Assessment Group also provides pro bono consultancy for NGOs, industry, regulators, state and municipality administration, individuals, formal and informal social groups.

  • Centre for Participatory Research

    Welcome to the Centre for Participatory Research at the Institute Jožef Stefan (CPR-IJS)!

  • ELMU

    Ecological Laboratory with a Mobile Unit