Институт по океанология "Фритьоф Нансен"

Marine Chemical Laboratory

The Laboratory is specialized in analyses of marine, river and lake water, suspensions and sediments. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, salinity, hardness, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), hydrogen sulfide, nutrients, total organic carbon and others are analyzed according to internationally validated methods. The premises and equipment of the laboratory are renovated and adapted to the modern requirements.

The laboratory staff has proven long-term professional experience in the field of marine research. Most of the laboratory analyses have been made during the implementation of a number of international projects. The accumulated experience and data help to study the temporal and spatial dynamics of the physicochemical indicators, serve to derive limit values for characterization of the ecological status, as well as for assessment of the pollution of the sea water.

At present, a quality system has been introduced in the Laboratory and accreditation under BSS EN ISO 17025 is forthcoming in implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). For this purpose,  methods for analysis of physicochemical parameters in sea water, which are widespread among maritime countries, will be validated.