Laboratory Equipment

The affiliated laboratory, which is divided into the analytical laboratory and the microbiological laboratory, is a central facility of the chair and the research institute.

The analytical laboratory is equipped with the latest analytical equipment, which allows all standardized parameters relevant to drinking water and wastewater to be analyzed. In addition to the characterization of water samples using sum parameters such as COD and BOD, organic compounds can be examined more closely using 3D fluorescence and UV spectroscopy and also quantified using TOC. Water-relevant anions, oxohalides such as bromate and chlorate as well as short-chain organic acids can be quantified using ion chromatography. Atomic absorption spectroscopy with flame and graphite furnace AAS as well as a highly sensitive ICP-OES device are available for the examination of metals.

The characterization and identification of organic molecules from aqueous samples in trace organic compound analysis (target screening) can be carried out using chromatographic separation techniques coupled with highly sensitive mass spectrometric detection methods (LC-MS/MS). Among other analytes, perfluorinated alkyl substances (PFAS) can be reliably detected in the water cycle. Volatile organic substances such as plasticizers or volatile organic acids can be analyzed using headspace GC/FID, while microplastic particles are examined using thermal desorption with thermo desorption pyrolysis GC/MS.

The microbiological laboratory uses conventional cultivation techniques to determine the fecal indicator germs (E. coli and enterococci) and pathogenic bacteria (e.g. Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Legionella spp.) relevant for hygienic water quality. Furthermore, fluorescence microscopy for the quantitative detection of active and dead microorganisms is possible. Bacterial cell numbers, antibiotic resistance genes and certain bacterial groups such as enterococci are detected with the qualitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). High throughput sequencing technologies based on RNA or DNA are used to characterize microbial communities and microbiomes from aquatic systems. Furthermore, the laboratory owns a collection of microorganisms (bacteria & fungi) from technical systems that can be used for further experiments.

 

I) GENERAL WATER PARAMETERS

II) Organic Water Components

III) Element Analysis

IV) ION CHROMATOGRAPHY

V) PHOTOMETER

VI) HPLC-MS/MS-SETUP

VII) ADDITIONAL HPLC/MS-EQUIPMENT

VIII) GAS CHROMATOGRAPHY

I) Examination and Sample Preparation

II) Classical Cultivation Techniques

A) DNA Extraction and Analysis

B) Polymerase-Chain-Reaction (PCR)

C) Microscopy

Leader

Dr. Christian Wurzbacher