Trace Analytical Laboratory

The trace analytical lab is a cornerstone of our research activities and study programs, providing advanced analytical services to our research teams, as well as to external clients. Our expert staff utilizes state-of-the-art equipment and techniques for sampling, extraction, fractionation, purification and analysis of samples, applying established analytical methods and working in the QA/QC system. Apart from analyzing “classical” persistent organic pollutants (POPs) such as polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs), organochlorine pesticides and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), we also analyze polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins, furans, polychlorinated naphthalene and emerging pollutants such as brominated flame-retardants, short- and medium-chain chlorinated paraffins, perfluorinated compounds, polar pesticides and their metabolites, explosives, steroids and natural toxins such as cyanobacterial peptides and alkaloids. Analysis of inorganic compounds includes elemental analysis and determination of heavy metal species.

The laboratories also include Monitoring Networks and sampling programs of the RECETOX research center focused on long-term monitoring of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) in various components of the environment.

More about the monitoring programmes.

Services

Equipment and expertise Laboratory of trace analyses is briefly described in the document which can be downloaded here. Laboratory trace analyses provide the following services:

Analysis and equipment

Key equipment

2x High-Resolution Gas Chromatography – High-Resolution Mass Spectrometery (HRGC-HRMS) systems – for analyzing polychlorinated dibenzo-p-dioxins (PCDDs), furans, dioxin-like compounds and indicator PCBs, brominated flame-retardants, and pesticides
Low-resolution Gas Chromatography - low-resolution mass spectrometry (GC-MS/MS) system with electron or chemical ionization – for analyzing indicator PCBs, organochloride pesticides, cyclodiene pesticides, Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) including substitutes, aromatic compounds, and chlorinated paraffins
Orbitrap GC-MS system – for non-target screening
GC–Electron Capture Detector / Flame Ionization Detector (GC-ECD / FID) – for analyzing organochloride pesticides and indicator PCBs
Low-resolution liquid chromatography mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) – for analyzing perfluorinated compounds, brominated and organophosphate flame-retardants, pharmaceuticals and personal hygiene products, phthalates, bisphenols, polar pesticides, steroids, natural toxins (cyanobacterial peptides and alkaloids), and metabolites of organic pollutants
Orbitrap LC-MS – for non-target screening
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in combination with GC / LC – for elemental analysis and determination of heavy metals species
Several smaller instruments such as an elemental carbon organic carbon (EC/OC) and total organic carbon (TOC) analyzers

A full list of equipment is available here.

Training

Our skilled laboratory staff has extensive knowledge and experience not only in using the equipment but also in providing trainings. Over the last 5 years we have conducted trainings in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Kenya, Ghana, Morocco and other countries. Although trainings are mainly focused on sample preparation and analysis, familiarization with laboratory instrumentation, techniques, and data interpretation, we put great emphasis on the specific needs of each client, therefore the content is personalized accordingly. Training usually take place at our lab in RECETOX; however, it can also be done at the client’s facility, where our experts can assist in formulating custom-made standard operating procedures (SOPs) to fit the client’s specific requirements.

Consultation

We advise our clients on study and project design with regards to the specific services and analyses they would require, as well as with interpreting the results on completion. Furthermore, since our laboratory staff works in close collaboration with the center’s research programmes to improve current methods, and develop new ones, they can offer advice on sampling techniques, preservation, analytical preparation and analysis, or on any other issue that may arise.

Access

Access to the laboratories is available to academic users and researchers, including representatives of the commercial sphere and industry. Academic users and researchers can access through the Open Access project. Application for access available at: https://openaccess.recetox.cz/. Industrial users can directly contact coordinator of RECETOX Research Infrastructure RNDr. Petra Růžičková, Ph.D. (openaccess@recetox.muni.cz), who will answer questions about available capacities, expertise and other conditions of cooperation.

RECETOX Open Access system