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The Shared Services Laboratory have specialized laboratories as well as microscopy and sample preparation rooms. They provide users with quality material and technical support in a safe environment.
This facility features a full range of state-of-the-art instruments for analyzing water samples by colorimetry, spectrophotometry, fluorometry, scintigraphy, and chromatography, as well as organic compounds and trace metals in various matrices.
High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC GP50)
UV/visible spectrophotometer with temperature control block for samples (Cary 300)
Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR)
Gas chromatograph
Mercury analyzer
Equipment
The Shared Services Laboratories house instruments and equipment acquired through research grants by Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre faculty members in order to make optimal use of all laboratory resources, combining state-of-the-art equipment and experienced personnel.
In addition to the equipment described below, the Shared Services Laboratory includes a laboratory truck.
Analyzer of carbon and nitrogen in aqueous solutions
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Manufacturer/Brand: Shimadzu Model: TOC Vcph & nitrogen module TNM-1 Description Measurement of the different forms of carbon (organic and inorganic) and total nitrogen in aqueous solutions. For the analysis of total and organic carbon and total nitrogen, the sample is injected into a combustion furnace and the carbon is transformed into CO2, then it is measured by an infrared detector. In the case of total nitrogen, detection is by chemiluminescence. For inorganic carbon, the sample is injected into a cell containing an acid solution that converts the carbonates into CO2, which is then measured by the infrared detector. Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician. The laboratory also offers a complete analysis service. For external users, it is available about 50 days per year. |
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Autoanalyser
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Manufacturer/Brand: Lachat Instruments Model: Quickchem 8000 Description Automated colorimetric analyses of several compounds using traditional colorimetric methods. Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician. The laboratory also offers a complete analysis service. For external users, it is available about 75 days per year. |
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CHNS elemental analyzer
Manufacturer/Brand: Leco
Model: Truspec Micro
Description
Simultaneous measurement of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and sulphur in solid samples. Measurement involves 2 steps: combustion at 1000°C followed by analysis of different gases using infrared detectors (carbon, hydrogen and sulphur) and a thermal conductivity detector (nitrogen).
Conditions of use
This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. The laboratory also offers a complete analysis service. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year.
Class 1000 cleanroom with class 100 workspaces
Description
These rooms allows to work without potential contamination by dust.
Conditions of use
This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year.
Conductivity meter
Description
Measurement of the electrical conductivity in a solution.
Conditions of use
This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year.
Rock crusher
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Description Used to crush rocks.
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Fluxer (alkaline fusion)
Manufacturer/Brand: Claisse
Model: Fluxy
Description
The alkaline fusion technique is used to bring solid samples such as rocks, soils, and sediments into solution. This technique is very effective to bring geological samples into solution from which their major and trace elements can be measured.
Conditions of use
This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year.
Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectrophotometer (FTIR)
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Manufacturer/Brand: Thermo Fisher Scientific Model: IS50 Description Measurement of the spectrum of absorption or emission, photoconductivity or infrared diffusion of a solid, liquid or gas sample. Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year. |
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Gamma counter
Manufacturer/Brand: Perkin Elmer
Model: 2480
Description
Measurement of the radioactivity of gamma-emitting isotopes such as cadmium-109, zinc-65, mercury-203 mainly used in laboratory experiments.
Conditions of use
This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year.
Gamma counter equipped with a high-purity germanium detector
Manufacturer/Brand: Ortec
Model: GWL-150
Description
Measurement of the natural gamma radioactivity, including lead-210 and cesium-137, in order to date young sediments (<150 years).
Conditions of use
This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year.
Gas chromatograph
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Manufacturer/Brand: Thermo Fisher Scientific Model: 1310 Description Specifically configured for the measurement of greenhouse and light gases. Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician. The laboratory also offers a complete analysis service. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year. |
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Gas Chromatograph coupled to a Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS Trace 1310)
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Manufacturer/Brand: Thermo Fisher Scientific Model: Trace 1310 Description Measurement of organic compounds in different matrices (water, soil, sediment, etc.). Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician. The laboratory also offers a complete analysis service. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year. |
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Gas Chromatograph coupled to a Mass Spectrometer (GC/MS Clarus 500)
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Manufacturer/Brand: Perkin Elmer Model: Clarus 500 Description Measurement of organic compounds in different matrices (water, soil, sediment, etc.). Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician. The laboratory also offers a complete analysis service. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year. |
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Gas chromatograph with FID and TCD detectors
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Manufacturer/Brand: Agilent Model: 7890 Description Measurement of organic compounds in different matrices (water, soil, sediment, etc.). Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician. The laboratory also offers a complete analysis service. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year. |
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High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC AS50)
Manufacturer/Brand: Thermo Fisher Scientific
Model: AS50
Description
Measurement of trace organic compounds in different types of samples (water, soil, sediment, etc.). In addition to the HPLC module, four different detectors (diode array, electrochemical, fluorescence, and refractive index) are available to cover a wide range of compounds.
Conditions of use
This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician. The laboratory also offers a complete analysis service. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year.
High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC GP50)
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Manufacturer/Brand: Thermo Fisher Scientific Model: GP50 Description Measurement of trace organic compounds in different types of samples (water, soil, sediment, etc.). In addition to the HPLC module, four different detectors (diode array, electrochemical, fluorescence, and refractive index) are available to cover a wide range of compounds. Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician. The laboratory also offers a complete analysis service. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year. |
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High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC) that can be coupled with ICP-MS
Manufacturer/Brand: Thermo Fisher Scientific
Variety: Spectra
Description
This HPLC is normally coupled to the ICP-MS to carry metal speciation, to separate different organic molecules such as proteins and to identify metals bound to these molecules.
Conditions of use
This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician. The laboratory also offers a complete analysis service. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year.
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS)
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Manufacturer/Brand : Thermo Fisher ScientificModel: XSeries 2 Description Measurement of trace elements in aqueous solutions in concentrations of the order of ppt. This ICP-MS is very efficient for the analysis of trace metals and rare earth elements. Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year. |
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Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) – Radial view
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Manufacturer/Brand: Varian Medical Systems Model: 730 Description Simultaneous measurement of several elements (mainly cations). Concentrations from ppb to ppm can be measured depending on the element. The ICP-OES radial view has a lower sensitivity that the ICP-OPES axial view for most elements. However it is more robust and less affected by complex matrices. Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. The laboratory also offers a complete analysis service. For external users, it is available about 75 days per year. |
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Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) – Dual view
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Manufacturer/Brand: Agilent Model: 5110 SVDV Description Simultaneous measurement of several elements (mainly cations). Concentrations from ppb to ppm can be measured depending on the element. Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. The laboratory also offers a complete analysis service. For external users, it is available about 75 days per year. |
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Ion chromatograph
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Manufacturer/Brand: Thermo Fisher Scientific Model: Integrion HPIC Description Measurement of anions in aqueous samples. It is also possible to measure organic acids and perchlorates. Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician. The laboratory also offers a complete analysis service. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year. |
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Laser granulometer
Manufacturer/Brand: Horiba Scientific
Model: LA-950
Description
Measurement of particle sizes in solid samples such as soils and sediments. The technique is based on light diffraction. It is more accurate than the traditional sieve grain size measurement technique.
Conditions of use
This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year.
Liquid Chromatograph coupled to a Mass Spectrometer (LC MS/MS)
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Manufacturer/Brand: Thermo Fisher Scientific Model: TSQ Quantum Description Measurement of trace organic compounds in different types of samples (water, soil, sediment, etc.). The LC MS/MS is particularly efficient for the analysis of endocrine disrupting compounds and certain pesticides. It is a liquid chromatograph coupled to a tandem mass spectrometer (MS/MS). Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician. The laboratory also offers a complete analysis service. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year. |
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Lyophilizer
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Manufacturer/Brand: Cascade Model: FTS FD2085C0000 Description Used to dry samples by sublimation, which implies that the sample has to be frozen. This drying technique minimizes potential contamination or loss of volatile compounds or elements such as mercury. Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year. |
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Mercury analyzer
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Manufacturer/Brand: Milestone Model: DMA-80 Description Measurement of total mercury in solid or liquid matrices without any sample preparation. The measurement involves 3 steps: sample combustion, mercury trapping on a gold cell, mercury desorption and atomic absorption analysis. Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. The laboratory also offers a complete analysis service. |
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Mills: agate and disc
Description
Two types of mills, one is made of agate, the other is a disc mill. The latter can be used to grind, cut, shear, shred, fiberize, pulverize, granulate, crack, rub, curl, fluff, twist, hull, blend, or refine.
Conditions of use
This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year.
Oximeter and pH meter
Description
Oximeter: Measurement of the concentration of molecular oxygen in a gas mixture or a liquid.
pH meter: Mesurement of the pH of a solution.
Conditions of use
This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year.
Polarograph (with electrode)
Manufacturer/Brand: Bioanalytical Systems (electrode: Metrohm)
Model: 100B (electrode: 663Vastand)
Description
Measurement of different labile compounds (metals and sulphur) using a mercury electrode (HMDE).
Conditions of use
This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year.
Scintillation counter
Manufacturer/Brand: Perkin Elmer
Model: Tricarb 2910 TR
Description
Measurement of the radioactivity of beta-emitting isotopes such as carbon-14 and tritium mainly used in laboratory experiments.
Conditions of use
This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year.
Spectrofluorometer
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Manufacturer/Brand: Varian Medical Systems Model: Cary Eclipse Description Measurement of the fluorescent properties of compounds in solution. Both quantitative and qualitative analyses can be done. Two types of energy, excitation and emission, are involved. Useful for measuring compounds such as chlorophyll. Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year. |
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Ultracentrifuge
Manufacturer/Brand: Thermo Fisher Scientific
Model: Series WX
Description
Separation of very fine particles from a liquid. Used for protein separation in biology.
Conditions of use
This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year.
UV/visible spectrophotometer with temperature control block for samples (Cary 100)
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Manufacturer/Brand: Varian Medical Systems Model: Cary 100 Description UV/visible double beam spectrophotometer used for colorimetric analyses. Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year. |
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UV/visible spectrophotometer with temperature control block for samples (Cary 300)
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Manufacturer/Brand: Varian Medical Systems Model: Cary 300 Description UV/visible double beam spectrophotometer used for colorimetric analyses. Conditions of use This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year. |
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Walk-in growth chambers
Description
These rooms allow to work in a temperature-controlled environment (4-25°C)
Conditions of use
This equipment can be used with the full assistance of a technician or by internal or external users after training. For external users, it is available about 100 days per year
Qualified staff
The Shared Services Laboratory are managed and operated by a highly experienced team. The lab manager is in charge of coordinating activities and supervising staff. He ensures that analytical methods are up to date and that laboratory safety rules and quality control procedures are followed.
A team of technicians helps develop analytical methods, train students, and perform most of the chemical and biological analyses required for research projects. They also maintain the equipment they are responsible for. The team also includes certified divers who collect samples and install equipment during field campaigns.
The Shared Services Laboratory have up-do-date safety equipment, and all staff are trained in first aid.
Availability
The Water Sciences Shared Services Laboratories are available to Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre faculty members, students, and staff for research projects. Interns from various academic institutions are also occasionally accepted.
Lab resources can also be used for external collaborations and R&D contracts. Contact us.
The Shared Services Laboratory have all the equipment required for the:
- Analysis of water samples by colorimetry, fluorometry, spectrometry, scintigraphy, and chromatography, as well as organic compounds and trace metals in various matrices.
- Elemental analysis of solid samples.
Most of the lab equipment was acquired through grants from the Canada Foundation fo Innovation (CFI) and the Natural Sciences and Engineering Research Council of Canada (NSERC).
Contacts
Lise Rancourt
Laboratory Manager
Téléphone : 418 654-2630
lise.rancourt@inrs.ca
Boutaina El Jai
Partnerships and Research Development Advisor
Phone: 418 654-2531
boutaina.el_jai@inrs.ca
Shared Services Laboratory
Institut national de la recherche scientifique
Eau Terre Environnement Research Centre
490 de la Couronne Street
Québec City, Quebec G1K 9A9
Canada