Funders
North-West University
The Chemical Facility is part of the Unit for Environmental Sciences and Management (UESM), which provides the infrastructure and expertise required to prepare and analyse biological and environmental samples for the assessment of organic and inorganic pollutants and toxicants across a variety of matrices, including water, sediment, soil, macroinvertebrates, fish, and fish parasites. These capabilities support an ecotoxicological approach to understanding contaminant fate, exposure, and effects in aquatic and terrestrial ecosystems.
The facility houses an extensive suite of analytical instruments for the detection and quantification of environmental contaminants.
Extensive Sample Preparation
The sample preparation laboratory is equipped for the extraction and processing of both solid and liquid samples. Instrumentation includes accelerated solvent extraction systems, high-volume liquid extraction equipment, solvent evaporation systems, a freeze-dryer, and acid digestion units. The laboratory is further supported by three fume hoods and a full-length extraction system to ensure safe and efficient handling of samples and chemicals. The facility also has the equipment to perform biomarker analysis (e.g., oxidative stress, oxygen consumption, cellular energy allocation, etc.).
Organic and Inorganic sample analyses
Organic compound analysis is conducted using a Quadrupole Time-of-Flight Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometer (LCMS-QTOF), a Gas Chromatograph with Micro Electron Capture Detector (GC-μECD), and a Gas Chromatograph coupled to an Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (GC-IRMS). Established methods allow for the analysis of a wide range of contaminants. Inorganic compound analysis is supported by Flame and Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (F/GF-AAS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), and mercury-specific analyses using a Flow Injection Mercury System (FIMS).
Reliability, Collaboration and Research Excellence
To ensure uninterrupted operation of sensitive analytical equipment, the analytical laboratory is supported by an 80 kVA uninterruptible power supply (UPS), enabling continuous instrument performance even during power interruptions. The facility's instrumentation and expertise have contributed to numerous national and international research projects, student exchange programmes, internship training initiatives, peer-reviewed scientific publications, and conference presentations. This facility is a powerful research hub that promotes interdisciplinary collaboration, innovation, and scientific excellence.
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Last updated: June 2026
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