Hydrochemistry laboratory

Marine Biology’s hydrochemistry laboratory is accredited laboratory (accredited by Estonian Accreditation Centre) with registration number L179 (until 13.12.2025). It carries out seawater, surface water, and wastewater chemical analysis according to EVS-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standard “General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories”.

The chemical analysis methods used comply with international standards (The Nordic countries, Finland, and ISO standards). 

Following chemical methods are accredited by Estonian Accreditation Centre (L179 ANNEX):

• the automated determination of orthophosphate; 
• the automated determination of total phosphorus; 
• the automated determination of nitrite nitrogen and nitrate nitrogen; 
• the automated determination of total nitrogen; 
• the automated determination of soluble silicates; 
• determination of ammonium nitrogen; 
• determination of hydrogen sulphide; 
• determination of pH; 
• determination of dissolved oxygen using an electrochemical and optical methods; 
• determination of electrical conductivity; 
• determination of organic matter in marine sediments;
• determination of chemical oxygen demand (CODCr); 
• determination of suspended solids.  

Some other chemical analyses can be done in laboratory:

• determination of biochemical oxygen demand (BHTn); 
• determination of nutrients in sediments and algae; 
• determination of alkalinity in seawater.

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The main task of the hydrochemistry laboratory

The main task so far has been the analysis of nutrients in association with eutrophication program (a part of National Marine Environment Monitoring Program). In addition, the laboratory carries out analysis of seawater chemical indicators in research programs and requested chemical analyses.

Everyday work in chemistry laboratory is carried out according to documented quality management system. The quality is ensured with internal and external control and with regular participation in national and international comparison tests between laboratories. The analysing methods are continuously improved, so the methods meet the international standards.