Linköping University Environmental Science Laboratory, EnviSciLab

The laboratory has four Aralab Fitoclima climate rooms with programmable temperature (-20 to 50 °C), humidity (30-90%) and light capacities. Additionally, carbon dioxide levels can be regulated too. The rooms are intended to conduct experiments at specific conditions, or test instruments for use in research and teaching.

The centrifuge can use bottles up to 500 ml. The maximum centrifugation speed corresponds to 35000 g.

 

The laboratory contains two combustion furnaces, capable of reaching temperatures up to 1100 °C, one of which is also equipped with a ventilation system and catalyst for cleaning the exhaust gases. This one is mainly used for analysis of loss-on-ignition (i.e., volatile solids; proxy for organic matter content). The second furnace is mainly used for removing organic compounds from clean glassware.

The Vion IMS-QTOF (Ion Mobility Quadrupole Time-of-Flight) coupled with Acquity UPLC H-Class system from Waters Corporation, is a state-of-art hybrid analytical instrument that integrates ion mobility separation with high-resolution mass spectrometry. The UPLC system provides high-resolution separation of complex mixtures, while the advanced Ion Mobility Separation (IMS) adds an extra dimension of separation and differentiation based on molecular size, shape, and charge. Alternatively, the instrument can also be coupled to a GC system. This technique is primarily used for analyzing complex organic compounds, including targeted and non-targeted organic pollutants in various matrices. Its high sensitivity, precise measurement of mass, and structural elucidation capabilities are beneficial for identifying and quantifying unknown compounds.

 

GC-MS/MS instruments are based on a combination of gas chromatography (GC) with mass spectrometry (MS). The GC component separates the sample mixture into its individual components, which then enters the electron impact ion source of the mass spectrometer. The resulting ions are directed to the mass analyzer, which comprises three quadrupole rod assemblies (Q1, Q2, and Q3). This configuration can operate as both a single quadrupole (GC-MS) and a triple quadrupole (GC-MS/MS) system, enabling full scan/Selected Ion Monitoring (SIM) and MRM (Multiple Reaction Monitoring) operations.

GC-MS/MS is employed to identify, quantify, and elucidate the structures of complex organic compounds such as sedimentary biomarkers or pollutants extracted from sediments, aerosols and soil samples.

 

The Thermo Scientific Dionex ASE 350 Accelerated Solvent Extractor automates the extraction, filtration, and cleanup of compounds from solid and semi-solid samples. It operates at elevated temperatures (up to 200°C) and pressures (up to 1500 psi), significantly reducing extraction times and solvent consumption compared to traditional methods. The system can handle up to 24 samples unattended.

The Buchi Syncore Analyst is designed to concentrate multiple samples simultaneously. The system can handle up to 12 samples at once and concentrate volumes from 500 ml down to 1 ml allowing concentration of samples prior to analysis. In addition, the system can be equipped with a Solid Phase Extraction-module (SPE).

The Zip Vap 12 position evaporator from Glas-Col and 24 position N-EVAP with Type Z purge from Organomation utilizes nitrogen blowdown evaporation technique to accelerate solvent removal by lowering the vapor pressure above the sample and preventing recondensation under a steady stream of nitrogen gas. The method is useful for generating small sample volumes for chromatographic and mass spectrometry analysis.

The Shimadzu Nexera LC is a liquid chromatography system equipped with both UV-VIS and Refractive Index (RID) detectors. This dual detection capability is suitable for the analysis of organic acids. It is currently employed for routine and advanced analytical applications in samples from biogas reactors.

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) is an analytical technique used to detect and quantify a large variety of elements at very low concentrations. The elements are converted into ions, which are then separated and detected based on their mass-to-charge ratios. The ICP-MS is sensitive and capable of detecting elements at very low concentrations. It can analyze a variety of samples, from water and soil to biological tissues and food products. Applications span across environmental monitoring, pharmaceutical research, and materials science.

High-Performance Liquid Chromatography Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (HPLC-ICP-MS) combines the separation power of HPLC with the elemental detection capability of ICP-MS. This hybrid method allows for the identification, speciation and quantification of different elements in complex samples matrices, including biological samples, food products, environmental samples, and pharmaceuticals. By separating different compounds first with HPLC and then analyzing their elemental composition with ICP-MS, it is possible to obtain insights into the elemental distribution and speciation for applications in toxicology, environmental monitoring, and clinical research.

The elemental analyzer is used to analyze the total concentration of C, H, N and S in samples. It combusts the samples at high temperature and analyses the resulting gases. The wide range of sample types that can be analyzed includes organic materials, pharmaceuticals, soils, sediments, polymers, and food products.

Handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instruments work by emitting X-rays onto a sample, which causes the sample's atoms to emit secondary (fluorescent) X-rays. Each element in the sample emits X-rays at characteristic energies, allowing the device to identify and quantify the elements present. XRF is employed in fields such as environmental testing, metallurgy, archaeology, and art conservation. These instruments are particularly valuable for tasks like determining soil contamination and identifying metal alloys.

Microwave ovens use microwave radiation to heat samples in acid solutions, significantly accelerating the digestion process to prepare samples for later analyses. This rapid and uniform heating ensures breakdown of complex sample matrices crucial for accurate analyses of major and trace metals using techniques like ICP-MS.

A Picarro G2201-i isotopic analyser with a Small Sample Introduction Module (SSIM) which enables analysis of stable carbon isotope composition of gas samples (carbon dioxide and methane) in both flow-through mode and in discrete samples. The system can also be connected to a Combustion Module for analysis of carbon isotopic composition in solid and liquid samples if needed. Stable carbon isotope ratios provide important information to understand and quantify the relative importance of different processes influencing the abundance of the analysed samples, or the relative contributions of different sources to a carbon pool. For example, the stable isotopic composition of methane can yield information about the organic matter substrates and the microbial processes regulating the size and dynamics of the methane pool.

The IC-CIC system (Metrohm) integrates combustion and ion chromatography into a single automated analytical system. It enables the detection of halogens in complex matrices, whether in liquid or solid form. The combustion unit is equipped with a sensor that tracks the completion of digestion. This system is particularly useful for environmental and industrial applications where detecting trace elements in complex samples is required.

The TOC-VCPH instrument from Shimadzu measures the total amount of carbon (TC), inorganic carbon (IC) and total organic carbon (TOC) in water samples for monitoring water quality. It uses a high-temperature catalytic oxidation method to convert organic carbon into carbon dioxide (CO2), which is then detected using a non-dispersive infrared (NDIR) sensor. In addition, our instrument is also equipped with a TNM-1 module giving us the capability to measure total waterborne nitrogen (TN).

The Horiba Aqualog scanning fluorescence spectrometer can be used to determine Excitation Emission Matrixes for most liquids. It is often used to characterize colored organic matter in natural waters.

The Seal Analytical AA500 is a segmented flow analyzer designed for automated nutrient analysis. The AA500 can analyze a wide range of nutrients in e.g. drinking water, wastewater, soil, and plant extracts. We currently focus on nitrate, nitrite, ammonium, phosphate and total phosphorus in different water matrices.

The Sedigraph is an analytical instrument used to determine particle size distribution in a sample. It operates based on the principles of sedimentation theory and X-ray absorption. By measuring the rate at which particles settle in a liquid and the attenuation of X-rays passing through the suspension, the Sedigraph calculates the size of sediment particles. It can be used to analyse sediments and similar samples.

Biochemical Methane Potential (BMP) systems are an integral part of our biogas research and teaching activities. We currently operate five AMPTS II systems from BPC Instruments. These advanced systems enable precise and reliable measurements of biogas potential of various substrates, providing valuable data for both educational and research purposes.

We operate a total of 18 laboratory-scale Continuous Stirred-Tank Reactors (CSTRs) designed by UIT and Bellach. Our facility includes six six-litre reactors, ten nine-litre reactors, and two fifteen-litre reactors. The reactors from UIT are equipped with an advanced automated gas analysis unit, enabling precise monitoring and control of biogas production. These reactors are crucial for our biogas research and teaching, providing reliable and high-quality data.

Our Agilent 990 microGC system is employed for analysis of gas compositions, specifically in monitoring the output from our biogas reactors. This system can analyze a variety of gases including methane (CH4), carbon dioxide (CO2), hydrogen (H2), hydrogen sulfide (H2S) and nitrogen (N2). It plays a crucial role in both our research and teaching activities by providing accurate and reliable data on the biogas quality.

 

Our Agilent 8860 GC, equipped with a Flame Ionization Detector (FID), is utilized in biogas research and teaching to monitor the concentrations of short-chain carboxylic acids. These acids are key intermediates in the anaerobic digestion process, and accurate monitoring is important for optimizing biogas production. This system provides precise analysis, enhancing both our research outcomes and educational endeavors.

Our molecular biology lab is equipped with instruments to facilitate genetic and molecular studies. DNA extraction is carried out with high efficiency using our Fastprep-24 bead beater, and a variety of DNA extraction kits, ensuring high-quality samples for downstream applications. For quantification, we utilize the Qubit fluorometer for measurements of DNA concentration, crucial for PCR amplification. We currently have one PCR thermal cycler, enabling us to amplify specific DNA sequences. Additionally, we perform gel electrophoresis to analyze the PCR products, allowing us to visualize and verify the success of our amplifications. Together, these tools enable enables molecular biology analyses, supporting both educational and research missions.

Our TA instruments Discovery Hybrid HR-10 rheometer is used primarily to study the rheology of digestate from anaerobic digestion. This rheometer provides measurements either in rotational or oscillational mode, enabling us to monitor complex rheological behavior. The data obtained from this instrument aids in optimizing the anaerobic digestion process, thereby enhancing biogas production efficiency.

An Agilent 7890A GC system coupled to 7697A Headspace sampler with Flame Ionization Detector (FID), Thermal Conductivity Detector (TCD) and Electron Capture Detector (ECD) are routinely used for analyzing greenhouse gases CH4, CO2 and N2O in air and lake water samples.

Another Agilent 7890A GC with flame ionization and thermal conductivity detectors (FID and TCD, respectively) and manual injection is used for analyzing CO2 CH4 and occasionally other gases including low molecular weight n-alkanes such as C3H8 (propane).

The lab has a Los Gators Research (now ABB) DLT100 and a Los Gatos Research UGGA GLA151-series analyzers for CH4, CO2, and H2O, capable of both continuous flow-through analyses and analyses of discrete syringe samples.

In the laboratory several alternatives for low-cost sensing of greenhouse gases and some air pollutants have been developed. This is an ongoing research field geared towards developing robust sensor arrays for real-time measurements and data transmission. Please contact us for more information.

Two drones have been adapted for mapping greenhouse gas mixing ratios and fluxes (CH4, CO2 and N2O).

For more information, please contact us and see e.g. the open access research publication : Gålfalk M, Nilsson Påledal S, Bastviken D. 2021. Sensitive Drone Mapping of Methane Emissions without the Need for Supplementary Ground-Based Measurements. ACS Earth and Space Chemistry 5:2668-2676.

The laboratory has a large number of floating flux chambers for studies of aquatic greenhouse gas fluxes.