Laboratory of Chemical Oceanography and Sedimentology of the Sea investigates biogeochemical processes and different element cycles in the water column and sediment of the Adriatic Sea in the areas of different trophic status (mouth, estuary, bays, open sea, fish farms) in order to register any changes that occurr under the influence of anthropogenic or climate factors.
The laboratory carries out the tests the state of chemical parameters in seawater, sediment and biota (algae, shellfish, fish). Measurements in sea water samples include pH value, dissolved oxygen content, concentration of dissolved inorganic forms of nutrient (nitrates, ammonia, ortofosfates, silicates) and organic phosphorus and nitrogen.
Studies of the sediment include: redox potential, granulometrical composition, carbonate content, organic matter, organic carbon, total nitrogen, phosphorus form speciation, while the concentration of heavy metals and organic contaminants are determined from biota samples as well. The Laboratory is equipped with a series of devices; automatic AA3 analyzer Bran Luebbe (photoelectric colorimeter), spectrophotometer (Shimadzu UV Mini 1240), atomic absorption spectrometer AAS (…), gas chromatography GC (…), pHmeters (Mettler Toledo, Sartorius); analytical scales, deionizator, distiller and
Laboratory Staff (1 senior research associate, 2 research associates, and 3 professional associates) participate in a series of projects of the Institute, as well as in carrying out studies of environmental impact, monitoring of fish farms, and in teaching activities.