Image: Mattias Pettersson
Image: Mattias Pettersson
Umeå Marine Sciences Centre (UMF) analyzes marine samples, participates in international calibrations and is specialized in brackish water biology and chemistry. Analyses are performed on the request of government agencies and universities, supporting research and environmental monitoring. The analyses are accredited by Swedac.
Biological analyses
Marine biologist Nina Dagberg, Umeå Marine Sciences Centre, analyses samples collected for the national environmental monitoring in the Gulf of Bothnia
ImageMattias PetterssonThe analyses include species identification, biovolume and primary production for phytoplankton, bacteria growth and bacteria concentration, picocyanobacteria concentration, abundance and biomass for phytoplankton and soft bottom fauna. The C14 method is used to determine the phytoplankton primary production. Bacteria growth is determined by using the 3H-tritium method.
Chemical analyses
Oskar Wangdell, Umeå Marine Sciences Centre, analyses nutrients in water samples.
ImageMattias PetterssonAbout 10 000 chemical analyses are performed at UMF every year. Besides water, sediment and other solid samples can be analysed.
The following instrumentation is used to determine carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in various sample types:
Calibration and accreditation
UMF and the Finnish Environment Institute take samples for analysis and assessment of the environmental status of the sea. To intercalibrate the analyses, samples are taken in the same place at the same time from both research vessels. The samples are exchanged and the results are compared.
ImageFinlands miljöcentral SYKEUMF regularly takes part in international quality assurance programmes, for example the European Quasimeme-programme.
UMF is accredited by Swedac for biological and chemical analyses. Expert staff perform the accredited analyses, and specialized laboratories are used to which only authorized personnel have access.
