The characterization of water is important for many questions. The analysis of major and trace elements allows a variety of statements regarding water quality and composition in the field of drinking water, contaminated sites, geothermal energy and much more. The analysis spectrum is supplemented by anions such as phosphate, chloride. The stable isotope signature of the water allows a characterization of the water cycle on a local and global scale. In addition, we analyze waters for organic water constituents such as chlorophylla and organic tracers. Our offerings are enhanced by innovative sensor systems, both stationary and mobile.

Numerous major and trace elements can be detected in water samples. The questions are as broad as the element spectrum. Targeted element analyses enable the quality of water to be determined by comparison with limit values, the detection and characterization of contaminated sites, the calculation of water hardness, the determination of the temperature of deep waters, etc. The geochemistry of raw materials, rocks or soils can also be analyzed after acid digestion as a whole or specifically for individual components, such as the platinum group elements or rare earth elements.

We analyze both major and trace element contents in water samples and various fluids (thermal waters, outcrops, leaches). The element spectrum depends on the sample matrix and your question.

We will be pleased to advise you in order to determine the appropriate analysis for your investigations.

Multielement methods

Single element methods

Important nutrients such as phosphate or nitrate are present in the water as anions. They determine, for example, the trophic status of a body of water or provide indications of overfertilization. Due to their toxicity and corrosiveness, limit values are specified for most anions in the Drinking Water Ordinance. Chlorine/Br ratios are e.g. suitable to investigate the origin of deep waters.

We analyze your samples (fresh water, thermal water) with regard to this or other questions.

We will be pleased to advise you in order to determine the appropriate analysis for your samples.

Anion determination

The stable isotopic signature of water allows characterization of the water cycle at local and global scales. For example, analysis of water isotopy (δ2H, δ18O) provides information on the formation conditions of groundwater, the origin of precipitation water, evaporation processes, rock-water interactions, etc.

We determine δ2H and δ18O signatures directly from water samples or after distillation from thermal waters.

Isotope method

Dissolved organic substances are an important component of surface waters. They are either introduced from external sources or are formed directly in the water body as a metabolic and degradation product of plants and animals. In the water body they influence the light distribution in water bodies, bind trace metals or serve as food for microorganisms. A characterization of dissolved organic components thus allows a general characterization of the carbon cycle in water bodies and serves as an important parameter in water quality monitoring.

We analyze yellow matter (CDOM) in your samples by its fluorescence. Furthermore, we can determine organic tracers such as fluorescine and rhodamine. By means of sensor systems we can directly measure yellow substance content as well as chlorophylla and photosynthetically active radiation directly in the water.

We are happy to advise you regarding your samples.