NILU offers accredited analyses for metals in various environmental samples from air, water, biota, and sediments. In addition to standard metal analyses, we perform more research-oriented tasks, such as developing sampling designs tailored to the customer’s issues or developing new analysis methods in collaboration with the customer.
NILU is responsible for metal analyses in a number of projects for Norwegian management and industry, as well as for international clients and partners.
Statistical data interpretation such as environmental chemical source tracing and contribution distribution are also services NILU can perform. NILU’s health effects laboratory can offer investigation of the potential toxicity of most substances.
Sample Types for Metal Analyses
Here is a selection of sample types we can analyze:
- Air (particles, fallout dust, road dust, house dust)
- Water (precipitation, snow, wastewater, surface water, process water, borehole water)
- Soil and sediment
- Biological samples (fish, meat, eggs, animal feed, plant materials, foodstuffs)
- Human samples (blood, urine, hair)
We continuously work to expand the repertoire of sample types we can analyze for metal content. All our analysis methods are developed internally and accredited according to IS EN 17025:2017.
We annually control our analysis methods by participating in international laboratory comparisons.
NILU’s Laboratory Facilities
All sample preparation takes place in a cleanroom laboratory (ISO-14644, class 7 and 8), allowing us to determine metal content in ultra-low concentrations.
The laboratory is well-equipped with both low- and high-resolution plasma mass spectrometers (ICP-MS, ICP-HRMS) for the determination of more than 60 elements and other advanced analytical equipment.
Elements We Can Determine
NILU can determine more than 60 elements. We have extensive experience in determining both mercury and rare earth metals (lanthanides + scandium and yttrium) in a variety of sample types.
NILU er akkreditert i henhold til NS-EN ISO / IEC 17025 for bestemmelse av en rekke komponenter i ulike matrikser.