The Water Quality Centre is open to researchers from other universities and private companies who might not otherwise have access to the highly sophisticated instrumentation we have availalble.

We offer sample analysis and analytical method development to academia, government and industry. We are not to be viewed as a commercial laboratory and do not compete with commercial labs. The services offered by the WQC are generally unavailable from conventional laboratories.

Our capabilities include analysis of trace elements (e.g., Arsenic, Iron, Lead, Cadmium, Copper, Nickel, Zinc, Rare Earth Elements, Uranium) in waters and solids by ICP-MS, trace elements in solids by LA-ICP-MS, metal(loid) speciation (eg., As) by HPLC or IC-ICP-MS, stable isotope ratios (e.g., Si, Sr, Hg, U, Pb, Zn) by MC-ICP-MS (follow this link for results from some SRM measurements), organic contaminant analyses (e.g., estrogens, beta blockers, other pharmaceuticals, personal care products, PCBs, PFOA, PFOS, carbendazim) by organic MS and light stable isotope analysis (13C, 15N, 18O, deuterium) by CF-IR-MS. Our price schedule reflects the funding situation of our different clients and is divided into NSERC funded research, collaborative non-NSERC funded research, and public and private sectors. In addition, prices vary according to the matrix, required preparation and number of samples.

Prices for ICP-MS analyses start at only $20/sample

(for the first 5 elements)!

   Prices for δ13C, δ15N, δ18O, δ2H also start at $20/sample!

  

δ13C and δ15N are measured simultaneously and have been measured previously in dried solids (typically < 0.3 mg) such as fish and aquatic invertebrate (e.g., benthos and mussel) tissue, bird feathers, bones and in dissolved and particulate organic matter.  The long term accuracy for 13C = 0.22 per mil and for 15N = 0.30 per mil.  Elemental composition accuracy for %C = 0.6 % and for %N = 0.2 %.  δ18O is measured in water (< 0.5 mL) by equilibration with CO2 (accuracy is 0.10 per mil) and in solids by acid-digestion.  δ2H is measured in water samples (< 0.5 mL) whereas δ34S is measured in solids, the required weight being dependent upon the sample type.

 

We will develop new methods of analysis in novel media

and offer competitive prices!

 

For more information, please contact us.