Instrumental Analysis and Sensors

Our research on chemicals in the environment is based on comprehensive and state-of-the-art instrumental analysis, in which we use various LC-MS systems. These systems enable the precise determination of more than 150 organic trace substances as standard, including pharmaceutical residues, pesticides, toxins, and industrial chemicals—even at concentrations down to the ultra-trace range (ng/L). Our analyses cover not only tap water, groundwater, and surface water, but also other aqueous matrices such as (process) wastewater. In addition, we have specialized analytical methods for PFAS (per- and polyfluorinated alkyl substances) as well as ionic liquids, which are becoming increasingly important in environmental analysis. Using high-resolution mass spectrometry, we also perform non-target and suspect-target screenings, which, among other things, enable a detailed investigation of abiotic and biotic degradation pathways of chemicals. Our expertise is complemented by the analysis of common water parameters, such as heavy metals, inorganic ions, dissolved and total organic carbon (DOC and TOC), and biochemical oxygen demand (BOD). In addition, we develop electrochemical (digestion) methods and use microbiological fuel cells as innovative sensors for (online) monitoring of key water chemistry parameters such as TOC, DOC, BOD, and dissolved oxygen. This broad spectrum of analytical methods enables a comprehensive assessment of chemical water quality.

Instruments and equipment at IWC

Core Facility Environmental Analytics CFEA

• Links to selected publications and projects