Laboratory services

NIVA's laboratories analyse the chemical components of water, sediments, sludge and biological material, primarily for NIVA's projects. We also have laboratories for biological classification, ecotoxicological testing and an algae culture collection. We have broad and long established experience in method development, consulting and problem-solving in such analyses and in the quality assurance of laboratories.

Chemical and biological analyses are a key component in most of NIVA's projects. Our labs have advanced and modern instruments for the delivery of high-quality custom analyses.

Chemical analysis

NIVA's chemistry laboratory:

• determines water quality parameters, metals and organic parameters in various matrices (water, sediment, biological material, sludge etc.) 
• develops and adapts analysis methods, particularly in the field of new environmental toxins, such as pharmaceutical products, narcotics and biocides, and for chemicals
• arranges comparative laboratory tests
• contributes to the development of passive samplers for a number of organic and inorganic parameters
• contributes to building competence in analytical chemistry in developing countries

NIVA's chemistry section has extensive experience in comparative lab tests with participants from industry as well as other laboratories. NIVA is certified to arrange such tests in conformity with NS-EN ISO/IEC 17043.

For instance, we arrange comparative lab tests for:

• watercourses, including drinking water parameters
• industrial effluents
• municipal sewage sludge

NIVA's chemical analysis laboratory is certified in conformity with NS-EN ISO/IEC 17025 and we are a reference lab for water quality parameters and metals. 

Ecotoxicological tests

NIVA's ecotoxicology laboratory performs routine tests for determining toxicity, biodegradability and bioaccumulation of chemicals in conformity with international standards (OECD Guidelines, ISO) and the quality system Good Laboratory Practice (GLP).

Biological laboratory

NIVA has experts in diverse aquatic fauna and flora groups and we have our own labs for microscopic studies and investigations of fish and shellfish. NIVA also has a comprehensive collection of algae cultures that are used in research projects and tests of various algae types. Our Bio-Lab is an important tool in our work on biodiversity.

Read more about NIVA's certifications and accreditations

Contact:

Chemical analysis laboratory: Kristin MacBeath, research manager
Organic analysis: Kine Bæk, team leader laboratory
Inorganic analysis: Tomas Blakseth, team leader laboratory
Comparative laboratory tests: Ivar Dahl, research scientist
Ecotoxicological laboratory: Adam Lillicrap, research scientist

Last updated 23.04.2012