Our Technologies
As a group, Eurofins Scientific draws on the latest developments in the fields of biotechnology and analytical chemistry to offer customers unique analytical solutions and extensive testing methods.
Through our global network, Eurofins Food and Water Testing companies in New Zealand have access to new and emerging technologies and additional testing capability for more speciaist analyses.
General Chemistry
Our centre of excellence for water chemistry is based in Wellington and specialises in tests based on the chemistry methods published in volumes including APHA and AOAC. We also offer tests of specialised matrices that are not accredited.
Tests performed include, pH, alkalinity, turbidity, TKN, COD, and other analyses often refered to collectively as 'shorts'.
Instrumental Chemistry
Our instrumental chemistry laboratory is comprised of specialised instruments that together form the automated aspect of our work. The laboratory includes some of the most complex analytical techniques available to laboratories. Instrumentation includes:
-
ICP-MS: The ICP-MS is capable of performing very low level determinations of metals such as Cadmium, Chromium, Arsenic, Lead and even Tungsten and Uranium.
- ICP-OES: The ICP-OES also analyses metals, and while considered a simpler technique, is better at some elements than our ICP-MSs. The alkali metals such as calcium, potassium, and magnesium perform better on this instrument.
Because of our commitment to the integrity of our results, we run samples through both instruments to ensure the best result is reported.
- Ion Chromatography: We operate two Ion Chromatographs for the determination of anions in water and air. Anions include fluoride, chloride, bromide, nitrate, and sulphate and are good water quality indicators. The instruments can also analyse oxyhalides such as bromate and chlorite.
- Flow Injection and Discrete Autoanalysers: Nutrient analysis forms a large part of our business and we achieve this through the use of Flow Injection and Discrete Autoanalysers. These instruments perform nitrogen and phosphorus analyses and are also used to determine ammonia, cyanide, and hexavalent chromium. They take slow, manual colorimetric tests and automate them to speeds that are quite amazing. Samples are processed every few seconds allowing us to perform your analyses in duplicate – a more analytically robust technique than performing the test singly.
Organic Chemistry
Our organic chemistry laboratory operates GC-MS, GC-MS triple quad, GC-FID and LC-MSMS instruments.
Between them these instruments are capable of analysing a wide range of analytes including:
- Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons (TPH), BTEX,
- Volatile Organic Compounds (VOC)
- Semi-Volatile Organic Compounds (SVOC), pesticide and herbicide residues.
Some of our local sites also provide a limited water chemistry testing scope to meet local needs.
Microbiology
Our six water testing facilities located throughout New Zealand, have IANZ-accredited microbiology laboratories that are set up to meet local water testing needs. This includes drinking water tests that must be performed as soon as possible after sample collection.
