Access advanced analytical equipment

Advanced analytical equipment is available through this node that provides the ability for analysis, research and development of techniques for the identification of novel water contaminants.

SOWC Supported Facilities

Environmental Isotope Laboratory

The Environmental Isotope Laboratory (uwEILAB), located at the University of Waterloo, is at the forefront of developing isotopic techniques for research applications. As part of the SOWC, the uwEILAB hosts a stable isotope mass spectrometer (MS).

Ptacek Laboratory

The Ptacek Laboratory, located at the University of Waterloo, is dedicated primarily to the analysis of groundwater samples for water soluble emerging contaminants. As part of the SOWC, the Ptacek lab hosts an IC-MS/MS instrument.

Schiff Laboratory

The Schiff Laboratory, located at the University of Waterloo, focuses on applied environmental problems in forested and agriculturally impacted catchments. As part of the SOWC, the Schiff lab hosts an elemental analyzer.

Dunfield Laboratory

The Dunfield Laboratory, located at the University of Guelph, is a soil microbial ecology lab and as part of the SOWC, hosts numerous pathogen detection equipment that are critical to move microbial pathogen analysis to a molecular bases and allow users to detect microbial pathogens in water at detection limits previously not possible and in within hours. Equipment includes, but is not limited to, real-time PCR Detection systems, HPLC for pathogen detection and super speed centrifuge & rotators.

Pawliszyn Laboratory

The Pawliszyn Laboratory is located at the University of Waterloo and specializes in trace analysis using microextraction including the design of highly automated and integrated instrumentation for the isolation, separation, identification and determination of analytes from complex matrices. As part of the SOWC, the Pawliszyn lab is enhanced by a portable GC-MS, CE-MS and two autosamplers.

Servos Laboratory

The Servos Laboratory at the University of Waterloo, focuses on environmental chemistry, evaluates environmental exposure and effects of emerging contaminants, such as pharmaceuticals and personal care products in the environment, including new approaches for risk assessment and management of priority substances. As part of the SOWC, the Servos lab is enhanced by a triple quad liquid chromatography-mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) as part of the SOWC.

Advanced Analysis Centre

The Advanced Analysis Centre (AAC) at the University of Guelph provides a modern, centralized and highly serviced space for large-scale advanced analysis facilities. As part of the SOWC, the AAC lab hosts a quadrupole time-of-flight (QTOF) mass spectrometer and a gas chromatography-mass spectrometer (GC-MS).

Other Partner Institution Facilities

Analytical Services Unit

Queen’s University’s Analytical Services Unit (ASU) is accredited by CALA to the standards of ISO/IEC 17025. The unit is available to assist industry, government, and the university community with analytical chemistry problems and analysis. The unit accommodates the special needs of clients such as analytical method development and specific research projects, both large and small. The ASU also has expertise in remote on-site labs, environmental assessment and remediation of contaminated sites.