Environmental Analysis

Latest News


Joining us for this technology forum on the current state of environmental analysis are Dr Markus Läubli of Metrohm and Sky Countryman of Phenomenex.

The European Union has published new regulations regarding the approved testing methods for detecting marine biotoxins in bivalve molluscs, including oysters and mussels.

Thermo Fisher Scientific?s Global Food Safety Response Centre in Dreieich, Germany has announced that it is monitoring the dioxin crisis in Germany where animal feed additives may have been tainted with industrial fats containing the toxic chemical.

Cobalt detection

A simple and rapid test for cobalt in leguminous plants has been developed that Spanish and Venezuelan chemists claim could provide an alternative to more expensive methods.

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Power plant

Following the accident at Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant in 1986, the surrounding area remains substantially contaminated with radioactive isotopes. A study into the adaptations of the surrounding plant life has suggested that the plant proteomes remain largely unchanged by the radio contamination.

Protecting the Environment

The Column spoke to Linde AG about how emissions are controlled and monitored to reduce the potentially harmful risks to the environment.

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Oil spill response

Thermo Fisher Scientific has announced that its global Food Safety Response Centre in Dreieich, Germany, has developed two new analytical screening methods in response to the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico.

Jitterbugs

Peas, beans and some other plant seeds contain proteins, called globulins, which have been shown to act as a defence against insects and other herbivores. Coffee beans contain large amounts of globulins, so scientists in Brazil studied the beans to assess their potential for warding off insects.

Envirolab, UK soil and chemical testing company, will be expanding its analytical remit with the addition of a £1 million inorganics laboratory. The company will now be capable of analysis on all common inorganic contaminants, virtually eliminating subcontracted services and saving around £500,000 per year.