Environmental Analysis

Analytical services

Aquatic chemists have been measuring nutrients in lakes, streams and rivers for more than 50 years, and terrestrial analysts have been analysing environmental materials for nutrients and inorganic pollutants for over 40 years.

Based at CEH's Lancaster site, expert chemists provide specialised analysis services for the CEH and NERC research community and others involved in environmental research on such projects as these:

• Long-term monitoring and catchment studies of  lakes, streams and rivers
• Climate change research and long-term monitoring at the ECN (Environmental Change Network) sites at Moor House and Wytham
• Biogeochemical cycling including carbon and nitrogen cycling in forestry and upland management projects and the operation of a heavy metals deposition network in the UK

Analytical capabilities and instrumentation

CEH's analysts operate from a purpose-built suite of laboratories designed to handle soil, plant and animal material, and to perform trace-analysis of aqueous media in clean rooms.

The specialised analytical methods that CEH's analysts use to monitor background concentrations in the environment enable them to detect any long-term trends or change.

Please click here for more information.

Quality assurance

The laboratory is UKAS-accredited to ISO 17025 for more frequently requested methods and regularly participates in proficiency testing schemes.

Full details of our accreditation schedule can be found here.

Submitting samples for analysis

Please click here for advice on obtaining quotes and submitting samples for analysis.