Marine Chemical Laboratory
Marine Chemical Laboratory specialized in the analysis of marine, river and lake water, suspensions and sediments. Physicochemical parameters such as pH, salinity, hardness, alkalinity, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand (BOD5), hydrogen sulfide, nutrients, total organic carbon and others are analyzed according to the internationally validated methods. The premises and equipment of the laboratory are renovated and adapted to the modern requirements. The laboratory staff has proven long-term professional experience in the field of marine research. Most of the laboratory analyses have been made during the implementation of a number of international projects.
Presently, a quality system has been introduced and is expected to be accredited under the Bulgarian State Standard BSS EN ISO/IEC 17025:2018 in order to meet requirements for implementation of the Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD), for the purpose of which the widespread methodology in the coastal countries for analysis of the physicochemical parameters in seawater will be validated.
Activities planned:
In connection with the task to monitor the Black Sea and on the basis of Art.171, para 2, it.3 of the Water Act, it is necessary for the laboratory to be equipped with the highest-class equipment required due to the complex matrix – seawater and low limits for detection of priority substances and specific pollutants.
The analysis of the most priority substances and specific pollutants in seawater covered by Directive 2013/39 / EU and Regulation N-4 of 14.09.2012 on characterization of surface water can be performed after purchasing three main apparatuses:
ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry) with a system for testing undiluted seawater when analyzing metals (SC-2 Sea FAST SP3);
GC-MS-HS (Headspace Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry);
HPLC (High Performance Liquid Chromatography).
The laboratory is equipped with sample preparation equipment as well as equipment covering the rest of the WFD and MSFD’s monitoring lists (physicochemical parameters).
Modernization also includes laboratory accreditation for analysis, which is a prerequisite for recognizing the results of analyzes at state and international levels. After accreditation, the laboratory will be the only accredited laboratory for this kind of analysis on the Balkan peninsula.
Expected users of the analyzes of the laboratory are: ministries, governmental and local authorities and private companies from the country and abroad.