GINYS-ICRA-004

UM – Microscopy unit

The Microscopy Unit (MU) supplies the equipment, technical assistance, and specialized training necessary for researchers and external users, to undertake observation and analysis of microscopic structure of organisms from environmental aquatic systems, complex biological samples (such as biofilm) and samples from bioreactors and pilot plants. The Unit has several cameras attached to the equipment that allow high-quality storage of images, that can be later analysed with specific software, allowing a great variety of measurements and calculations.

GINYS-ICRA-003

UTBM – Biological and molecular techniques unit

The Biological and Molecular Techniques Unit (BMTU) is specialized in the molecular analysis of a wide variety of aqueous matrices (human consumption sources, river biofilm, sediments, wastewater, activated sludge) from high quality extraction of nucleic acids (DNA and RNA). The application of molecular techniques such as PCR and qPCR allows the detection and quantification of any target gene in the user’s samples. The unit (BMTU) has specialized in the quantification of resistance genes from a wide range of antibiotic families (ARGs), in agreement with the compounds detected by the UEM, promoting the transversality of the laboratories that compose the SCT. The BMTU also has a Radioactive Facility with non-encapsulated sources. This allows the study of 3H, 14C, 35S radionuclides by using an equipment recommended for samples that require a high level of sensitivity.

GINYS-ICRA-002

UEM – Mass spectrometry unit

The Mass Spectrometry Unit (MSU) aims to be a benchmark in the determination of emerging chemical pollutants in wastewater, natural water and drinking water. By using technologically advanced instrumentation it offers analytical solutions for the identification and quantification of worldwide relevant organic contaminants at trace levels. The MSU splits in two subunits according to the chromatographic technique coupled to mass spectrometry: 1) The Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Unit (UEM GCMS) focuses its activity on the identification and quantification of organic compounds belonging to different families, such as polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, disinfection by-products, etc., through multiresidue methodologies. The availability of state-of-the-art equipment allows to face the challenges that arise in environmental topics, both from the point of view of sensitivity and monitoring of new emerging pollutants. 2) The Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry Unit (UEM LCMS) is highly specialized in target analysis of organic contaminants in aqueous samples using multiresidue analytical methods. Our catalogue includes more than 150 compounds such as drugs, antibiotics, pesticides, endocrine disruptors, etc. It also offers a new service for non-target analysis throughout Liquid Chromatography coupled to High Resolution Mass Spectrometry (LC-HRMS).

GINYS-ICRA-001

UAQ – Chemical analysis unit

The Chemical Analysis Unit (CAU) offers a comprehensive solution for the physicochemical characterization of different water bodies (from wastewaters to natural waters) using advanced analytical techniques. The applied methodologies are focused on standardized procedures and take into account both the concentration levels and the potential interferences presents in the matrix. The laboratory operation provides the technical expertise of the Unit, at the same time it ensures the sustainable management of resources with a plan for the continuous improvement