Tampere

Marika Kokko

Susanna Maanoja

Elena Efimova

Bio and Circular Economy lab

Research groups

Bio and Circular Economy research groups

Analytical Equipment infrastructure is essential part for whole Bio and Circular Economy research  field.

BIC laite

Publications

Recent publications

The elemental analyser can be used to analyse the elemental composition (C, H, N, S and O) of solid or liquid samples. The instrument is equipped with two furnaces each containing one quartz reactor tube. One tube is used for determination of CHNS and the other one for a separate O analysis. In the reactor tubes, CHNS are oxidized into N2, CO2, H2O and SO2, and O pyrolyzed into CO. The formed gases are separated chromatographically and detected with a thermal conductivity detector.This analytical technique is suitable for materials that can be fully homogenized, because only a small amount of the sample can be used for the analysis (few milligrams). In liquid samples, water as solvent causes interference to H and/or O determination. For analysis, solid samples are weighed in tin (CHNS) or silver (O) cups and folded into tiny balls. Liquid samples can be put into 1.5 mL glass vials.At BIC, the elemental analyser is typically used for characterization of different materials, e.g.:<ul><li><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2022.139351" data-entity-type="external">Spruce bark</a> before and after pretreatment leaching steps </li><li><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.scitotenv.2022.154777" data-entity-type="external">Sewage sludge</a> before and after pretreatment and digestion </li><li><a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s12649-021-01398-x" data-entity-type="external">NiMH battery powder</a> before bioleaching of rare earth elements</li></ul>Key technical featuresElemental analyser Thermo Scientific FlashSmart&nbsp;CHNS/O<ul><li>Carrier gas: He</li><li>Furnace temperatures 950°C (CHNS) and 1060°C (O)</li><li>Minimum detectable concentration of elements ~0.01 wt-%</li><li>Coupled with autosamplers for different samples:</li><li>MAS Plus autosampler for solid samples<ul><li>Separate autosamplers for CHNS and O furnaces</li><li>Mass of sample used for analysis is typically 1−3 mg of organic materials and up to 20 mg of inorganic materials</li><li>32 sample positions</li></ul></li><li>AS 1310 autosampler for liquid samples, currently installed for CHNS furnace<ul><li>105 sample positions</li><li>Injection volume 1−10 µL; greater is possible with a bigger syringe</li></ul></li></ul>

Elemental analyser

Flow cytometer is an instrument, which can be used to detect and count cells and particles based on their physical and biological characteristics. At BIC, Beckman Coulter CytoFLEX S is used to enumerate and analyse microbial cells, for example from environmental and bioprocess samples and bacterial cultures. BIC’s CytoFLEX S is equipped with blue and yellow-green lasers enabling the excitement of fluorochromes at 488 nm and 561 nm, respectively. The microbial cells that are not autofluorescent need to be dyed with fluorescent markers before measurement.&nbsp; &nbsp;Key technical features<ul><li>Currently equipped with blue and yellow lasers, can be updated with violet and red lasers in the future</li><li>13 bandpass filters: 450/45, 525/40 (2), 585/42, 610/20 (2), 660/10 (2), 690/50, 712/25, 780/60 (3)</li><li>Forward and side scatter with blue laser (448 nm)</li><li>Hydrodynamic focusing</li><li>Maximum acquisition speed 30000 events/s</li><li>Automatic compensation for fluorochromes</li><li>Sensitivity (MESF) for FITC &lt;30 and for PE &lt;10</li><li>Size range of detectable cells 300 nm–70 µm</li><li>Sampling from microcentrifuge tubes (1.5−2.0 mL), sample tubes (5 mL) or a 96-well plate</li><li>Minimum sample volume 100 µL (tubes) or 45 µL (96-well plates)</li><li>Optimal sample concentration 2 ∙ 104−107 cells/mL</li><li>The sample volume used for the measurement can be measured for density calculation</li></ul>

Flow cytometer

The gas analyser is a gas chromatograph (GC) having three separate analytical lines each line connected to a different detector: a thermal conductivity detector (TCD), a dielectric-barrier discharge ionization detector (BID) and a mass spectrometer (MS) detector. TCD is a universal detector, which can detect any inorganic analyte except the carrier gas. BID is also a universal detector, and it can detect any inorganic or organic analyte except helium and neon. TCD is less sensitive, and it has a broader detection range than BID (LOD 10 ppm, up to 100%), while BID is a perfect choice for a trace-level analysis (LOD 0.05 ppm, up to ~1%). MS detector can be used for identifying unknown compounds by using mass spectral library or performing quantitative determination of the analytes on a selected ion monitoring (SIM) mode.&nbsp;The gas analyzer is used to analyse gaseous samples, which can be introduced to the instrument by valve injection from a syringe (min. 10 mL samples) or through an automatized sample introduction system from a gas bag. The sample can be analysed with one, two or all three detectors simultaneously. There are in total two pre-columns and four analytical columns attached to the analytical lines and all of them are located within the same column oven. &nbsp;Key technical features&nbsp;Shimadzu Nexis GC-2030<ul><li>Coupled to a stream-selector valve with six ports (max 200°C); one is used for introduction of standard gas, the other five for samples (via syringe, gas bags, reactor exhaust lines etc.)</li><li>Carrier gas He</li><li>Each analytical line has its own gas sampling valve with a sample loop of 250 µL (max 225°C)</li><li>Compatible with capillary columns</li></ul>TCD line<ul><li>Shimadzu TCD-2030</li><li>Porapak-Q as a pre-column and back flush to trap H2O and compounds with high boiling points (≥C3)</li><li>Analytical column: ShinCarbon ST to analyse N2, O2, H2, CO, CO2, CH4, N2O, VOCs up to C2</li></ul>BID line<ul><li>Shimadzu BID-2030</li><li>Porapak-Q as a pre-column and back flush, like in the TCD line</li><li>Two analytical columns, Q-BOND and MolSieve 5Å PLOT, with an optional bypass of MolSieve to analyse the same as in the TCD line, and NOx, NH3, H2S and to separate Ar from O2</li></ul>MSD line<ul><li>Shimadzu GCMS-QP2050</li><li>Split/splitless inlet, which enables traditional liquid injections in addition to the valve injection of gaseous samples</li><li>Analytical column GS-GasPro to analyse the same as in the TCD and BID lines and SO2, COS, VOCs up to C12</li><li>A post-column back flush for removing the compounds with high boiling points (≥C13)</li><li>Electron ionization source and a single quadrupole as a mass analyser</li><li>Detectable mass range m/z 1.5−1090</li><li>Instrument detection limit on the SIM mode ≤5 fg (100 fg octafluoronaphthalene, m/z 272)</li><li>General-purpose NIST Library version 2023 with ~307 000 mass spectra</li></ul>&nbsp;Gas analyser is part of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/research/bio-and-circular-economy-infrastructure-bic-firi">Bio and Circular Economy infrastructure (BIC-FIRI) | Tampere universities (tuni.fi)</a>&nbsp;-project.Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.<figure role="group"><img src="https://content-webapi.tuni.fi/image-style/max_1300x1300/proxy/public/2024-01/en_funded_by_the_european_union_rgb_pos.png?itok=pdxVOS8e" alt="" ></figure>

Gas analyser (GC-TCD/BID/MS)

Gas chromatographs (GCs) can be used to analyse gaseous and volatilizable liquid samples. Both capillary and packed columns are used in everyday analyses to achieve separation of the analytes. BIC’s GCs are configured with two types of general-purpose detectors, flame-ionization detectors (FIDs) and thermal conductivity detectors (µTCDs).&nbsp;Typical analytes determined by the GCs at BIC include:<ul><li>Microbial metabolites such as <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-024-13218-y" data-entity-type="external">volatile fatty acids and alcohols</a> and biopolymers (e.g., polyhydroxybutyrate)</li><li>Gases produced in microbial processes such as <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.wasman.2022.05.013" data-entity-type="external">anaerobic digestion</a> and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2023.118498" data-entity-type="external">biogas upgrading</a></li><li>Gases produced in thermochemical processes</li></ul>Key technical featuresAgilent 990 Micro GC<ul><li>Detector: µTCD</li><li>A dual-channel system: one with He carrier gas and Poraplot U column, and the other with Ar carrier gas and Molsieve 5Å column, isothermal column oven</li><li>Used mainly for on-line gas analysis, maximum inlet pressure 100 kPa, but there is also an option for manual injection (&gt;10 mL)</li><li>Suitable for analysis of permanent gases, CH4, CO2, CO, NO, hydrocarbons (C1-C6), H2S, SO2</li></ul>PerkinElmer Clarus 500 GC&nbsp;<ul><li>Detector: FID</li><li>Carrier gas: He</li><li>Compatible with capillary columns, equipped with a split/splitless inlet</li><li>Used for analysing gas samples by manual injection</li><li>Currently configured for analysis of CH4 with MolSieve 5A PLOT column</li></ul>Shimadzu GC-2010<ul><li>Detector: FID</li><li>Carrier gas: He</li><li>An autosampler for up to 150 samples</li><li>Compatible with capillary columns, equipped with a split/splitless inlet</li><li>Used for analysing liquid samples</li><li>Currently configured for analysis of volatile fatty acids with ZB-WAXplus column</li></ul>Thermo Scientific TRACE 1600 GC<ul><li>Detector: µTCD</li><li>Carrier gas He or N2, can be switched from the software as needed</li><li>Compatible with both packed and capillary columns by adapters</li><li>Equipped with a split/splitless inlet</li><li>Used mainly for analysing gas samples by manual injection</li><li>Suitable for analysis of H2, permanent gases, CH4, CO2, CO, hydrocarbons (C1-C3) with columns Porapak N, Carboxen-1000 and ShinCarbon ST&nbsp;</li></ul>

Gas chromatographs (GCs)

A gas chromatograph (GC) coupled with a mass spectrometer (MS) detector offers a versatile and very sensitive tool for qualitative and quantitative analysis of different organic and inorganic compounds. The GC-MS of BIC can be used to analyze volatilizable compounds from both liquid and solid samples. It has been equipped with three different injectors, a liquid injector, a headspace injector and a pyrolyzer. In the headspace injector, the sample is sealed in a gastight vial, which is heated and shaken in the injector, and volatilized analytes are flushed from the headspace of the vial into the GC. In the pyrolyzer injector, the sample is heated in a furnace from where the thermally desorbed compounds or pyrolyzates are swept into the GC. Qualitative analysis i.e., identification of unknown compounds with the GC-MS is based on comparison of the produced mass spectra with mass spectral libraries, while quantitative analysis can be carried out with high precision on a selected-ion monitoring (SIM) mode.&nbsp;Typical applications with the GC-MS at BIC include determination of&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://urn.fi/URN:NBN:fi:amk-202205026670" data-entity-type="external">Wood extractives</a> from forest industry waste waters</li><li>Off-flavour compounds such as geosmin from natural waters</li><li><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2023.120672" data-entity-type="external">Microplastics</a> from hydrothermally processed sewage sludge extract</li></ul>Key technical featuresShimadzu GCMS-QP2020 NX (with Shimadzu Nexis GC-2030)<ul><li>Carrier gas He, compatible with capillary columns</li><li>Split/splitless injector, SPME liners available</li><li>Detector: MS with electron ionization source and a single quadrupole</li><li>Detectable mass range m/z 1.5−1090</li><li>Instrument detection limit on SIM mode ≤15 fg (100 fg octafluoronaphthalene, m/z 272)</li><li>General-purpose NIST Library with ~307 000 mass spectra</li><li>F-Search System search program and libraries*, for determination of polymers and additives with the pyrolyzer injector based on their thermograms, chromatogram, pyrograms and mass spectra</li></ul>Liquid injector Shimadzu AOC-20i Plus<ul><li>For up to 150 samples in 1.5 mL vials</li><li>Injection volume 1−10 µL</li></ul>Headspace injector Shimadzu HS-20<ul><li>For up to 90 samples in 10 mL or 20 mL headspace vials</li><li>Max heating temperature of the vials 300°C</li><li>Suitable for analysis of samples with non-volatile or complex sample matrices, that would require pre-treatment for a traditional liquid injection to the GC</li></ul>Multi-shot pyrolyzer Frontier EGA/PY-3030D<ul><li>For up to 48 samples in deactivated stainless-steel sample cups</li><li>Max analyzable sample amount ~0.1 mg</li><li>Gas atmosphere: He</li><li>Pyrolyzer max temperature 1050°C, max heating rate 600°C/min</li><li>Can be operated on three different modes: single-shot (pyrolysis), double-shot (thermal desorption in one or two steps followed by pyrolysis) and evolved-gas analysis (evolution of volatile and pyrolyzable compounds upon heating of the sample)</li><li>Column Ultra ALLOY+-5, max temperature 360/380°C, suitable for analysis of pyrolyzates ranging from C1 to over C100</li><li>Suitable for analysis of most materials, including liquid and solid insoluble and complex materials, without pretreatment&nbsp;</li></ul>&nbsp;*F-Search F-Search System is part of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/research/bio-and-circular-economy-infrastructure-bic-firi">Bio and Circular Economy infrastructure (BIC-FIRI) | Tampere universities (tuni.fi)</a>&nbsp;-project.Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.<figure role="group"><img src="https://content-webapi.tuni.fi/image-style/max_1300x1300/proxy/public/2024-01/en_funded_by_the_european_union_rgb_pos.png?itok=pdxVOS8e" alt="" ></figure>

Gas chromatograph with a mass spectrometer detector (GC-MS)

All BIC's HPLCs are analytical (non-preparative) equipment that can be used for qualitative and quantitative determination of different analytes soluble to solvents.&nbsp;There are four different types of detectors available in the HPLCs; PDA (photo diode array), RID (refractive index detector), RF (fluorescence detector) and ELSD (evaporative light-scattering detector).Typical applications with the HPLCs at BIC include determination of:<ul><li>Concentration of <a href="//doi.org/10.1111/1751-7915.14133" data-entity-type="external">carboxylic acids</a> (e.g., acetate, butyrate) and <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.cej.2019.04.090" data-entity-type="external">monosaccharides</a> (e.g., glucose, xylose, arabinose, galactose, cellobiose)</li><li>Concentration of aromatic compounds (e.g., <a href="https://doi.org/10.1101/2024.02.14.580265" data-entity-type="external">lignin-related compounds</a> such as vanillate and catechol) and di-carboxylic acids</li><li>Molecular weight of organic matter fractions (<a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s13762-019-02518-w" data-entity-type="external">HPLC-SEC</a>)</li></ul>Key technical featuresAll the HPLCs are equipped with temperature-controlled autosamplers (LC-20A 4−40°C, others 4−45°C) and column ovens (LC-20A column oven max 90°C, others max 100°C). The autosamplers can hold up to 70 samples (LC-20A) or 162 samples (others) in 1.5 mL vials.Shimadzu LC-20A Prominence<ul><li>Detector: RID</li><li>Currently configured for determination of alcohols and sugars (eluent 5−10 mM H2SO4, column Rezex RHM-Monosaccharide H+ (8%))</li><li>Injection volume: 0.1−100 µL</li><li>Solvent lines: 1 for isocratic elution</li><li>Maximum pressure: 10 MPa (flow rate 0.0001−5.0 mL/min)</li></ul>Shimadzu Nexera LC-40D<ul><li>Detectors: RID, RF, PDA</li><li>Injection volume: 0.1−100 µL</li><li>Solvent lines: 4 for isocratic or gradient elution</li><li>Maximum pressure: 44 MPa (flow rate 0.0001−5.0 mL/min)</li></ul>Shimadzu Nexera LC-40D XR (UHPLC)<ul><li>Detectors: RID, PDA</li><li>This ultra-HPLC has narrower capillaries than the other two HPLCs, which create higher pressure in the system, which again enables faster analysis times and separation of analytes</li><li>Possibility to attach up to six columns in the column oven and the line/column in use can be determined from the software</li><li>Injection volume: 0.1−50 µL</li><li>Solvent lines: 4 for isocratic or gradient elution</li><li>Equipped with an automatic mobile phase level monitor MPM-40</li><li>Maximum pressure: 70 MPa (flow rate 0.0001−3.0 mL/min)</li></ul>Shimadzu Nexera Lite LC-40D*<ul><li>Detectors: PDA, ELSD</li><li>With this instrument, a vast range of analytes from smaller light-absorbing compounds to greater non- or semi-volatile non-light-active compounds can be determined &nbsp;</li><li>Injection volume: 0.1−100 µL</li><li>Solvent lines: 4 for isocratic or gradient elution</li><li>Maximum pressure: 44 MPa (flow rate 0.0001−5.0 mL/min)</li></ul>&nbsp;*Shimadzu Nexera Lite LC-40 HPLC is part of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/research/bio-and-circular-economy-infrastructure-bic-firi">Bio and Circular Economy infrastructure (BIC-FIRI) | Tampere universities (tuni.fi)</a>&nbsp;-project.Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.<figure role="group"><img src="https://content-webapi.tuni.fi/image-style/max_1300x1300/proxy/public/2024-01/en_funded_by_the_european_union_rgb_pos.png?itok=pdxVOS8e" alt="" ></figure>

High performance liquid chromatographs (HPLCs)

The ICP-MS is a shared equipment of BIC and <a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/about-us/aerosol-physics" data-entity-type="external">Aerosol Physics</a>. The ICP-MS can be used to determine almost all the elements of the periodic table except halogens, C, N, O and unstable isotopes. It is a very sensitive instrument, thus, being suitable for trace level analysis. In the ICP-MS, liquid sample is sprayed into an argon plasma, where it becomes atomized and ionized, and the ions are sent to a quadrupole for separation, and to an electron multiplier for detection. The measurement can be done quantitatively for selected elements or qualitatively by scanning the full mass range of elements. Solid samples and insoluble constituents of liquid samples can be digested for the ICP-MS analysis with microwave-assisted acid digestion with MARS 6 instrument.Examples of determinations done with the ICP-MS at BIC’s laboratories&nbsp;<ul><li>Iron, aluminum, zinc, and copper adsorbed on microplastics after hydrothermal processing of <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2023.120672" data-entity-type="external">microplastics</a> in metallic media</li><li>Iron and manganese in <a href="https://doi.org/10.1128/spectrum.03133-24" data-entity-type="external">natural organic matter</a>, which is used as an electron donor by methanotrophic lake bacteria</li></ul>Key technical featuresMARS 6 microwave digestion system&nbsp;<ul><li>Capacity up to 24 samples treated in MARSXpress Plus vessels (110 mL)</li><li>Liquid volume min 10 mL, max 55 mL; including the sample and acids</li><li>Typical weight of a solid sample to be digested 0.2–1.0 g</li><li>Max temperature 180°C for HF, 210°C for all other acids and their mixtures</li></ul>Thermo Scientific iCAP RQ ICP-MS&nbsp;<ul><li>TELEDYNE CETAC TECHNOLOGIES ASX-560 Autosampler for 84 samples in 50-mL tubes or 240 samples in 15-mL tubes, plus 10 samples in standard 50-mL tube-rack, sample introduction by using a peristaltic pump</li><li>Option for online internal standard addition</li><li>Option for helium addition in kinetic energy discrimination (KED) mode for comprehensive interference removal</li><li>Option for automated argon gas dilution for concentrated or high-matrix samples</li><li>Option for reactive gas addition (H2) to target specific interference ions, for example Ar-based species</li><li>Interface options for robust, high-matrix and high-sensitivity analyses</li><li>Mass spectrometer with a single quadrupole</li><li>Detectable mass range 2–290 amu</li><li>Sensitivity for 59Co on standard (STD) mode 100 kcps/ppb, on He KED mode 30 kcps/ppb</li><li>Detection limits on STD mode 9Be &lt;0.5 ppt, 115In &lt;0.1 ppt and 29Bi &lt;0.1 ppt</li></ul>

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS)

The ICs can be used for determination of dissolved anions (e.g., Cl-, NO2-, NO3-&nbsp;, PO43-, SO42-, S2O32-) and cations (e.g., NH4+, Na+, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+) from liquid samples. Typical samples studied at BIC include:&nbsp;<ul><li><a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.ces.2023.118498" data-entity-type="external">Waste waters, digestates</a></li><li>Bacterial growth <a href="https://doi.org/10.1080/09593330.2021.1985620" data-entity-type="external">media</a></li></ul>Key technical featuresDionex Integrion HPIC and Dionex ICS-1600&nbsp;<ul><li>Integrion is configured for anion analysis (typical eluent 4.8 mM Na2CO3/1.0 mM NaHCO3, column Dionex IonPac AS22 4 x 250 mm)</li><li>ICS-1600 is configured for cations analysis (typical eluent 20 mM methane sulfonic acid, column Dionex IonPac CS12A 4 x 250 mm)</li><li>Loop injection (10 or 25 µL)</li><li>Measurable concentration range: from ~0.5 mg/L to ≥175 mg/L depending on the column and anion/cation in question</li><li>One solvent line for isocratic elution</li><li>Thermally controlled column (Integrion 30−80°C, ICS-1600 30−60°C) and detector (Integrion 30−60°C, ICS-1600 30−55°C) compartments</li><li>Detection by electrolytically suppressed conductivity</li><li>Autosampler for 44 sample vials (1.5 mL or 5 mL)</li></ul>Shimadzu HIC-NS*<ul><li>Configured for cations analysis (typical eluent 2.5 mM methane sulfonic acid, column Shim-pack IC-C4 (4.6 x 150 mm)</li><li>Flow through needle injection (0.1–50 µL)</li><li>Measurable concentration range approximately 0.01 –10 mg/L</li><li>One solvent line for isocratic elution</li><li>Thermally controlled column oven (~10−100°C) and detector (4−35°C)</li><li>Detection by electrical conductivity, non-suppressed</li><li>Autosampler for 105 (1.5 mL) or 50 (4 mL) sample vials</li></ul>&nbsp;*Shimadzu HIC-NS cation chromatograph and columns and other consumables of the Dionex ICs are part of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/research/bio-and-circular-economy-infrastructure-bic-firi">Bio and Circular Economy infrastructure (BIC-FIRI) | Tampere universities (tuni.fi)</a>&nbsp;-project.Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.<figure role="group"><img src="https://content-webapi.tuni.fi/image-style/max_1300x1300/proxy/public/2024-01/en_funded_by_the_european_union_rgb_pos.png?itok=pdxVOS8e" alt="" ></figure>

Ion chromatographs (ICs)

The Kjeldahl nitrogen system can be used to determine the concentration of total nitrogen and other steam-volatile substances (alcohol, phenol, SO2, volatile acids) in liquid samples and in solid samples after acid digestion.&nbsp;In determination of total Kjeldahl nitrogen, solid samples are first digested in catalysed sulfuric acid digestion and organic nitrogen is decomposed to NH4+. Digestates or undigested ambient liquid samples are then distilled with steam. During distillation, volatile compounds are driven out from the sample under alkaline conditions (obtained with NaOH additions), and condensed distillate is collected in a batch of receiver solution (H3BO3). Finally, the receiver solution is titrated with standardized H2SO4 (or HCl) to quantify the amount of NH3 formed in the process.&nbsp;Key technical featuresBüchi KjelDigester K-449 digestion unit<ul><li>For up to 20 samples tubes of 300 mL that can hold max 200 mL liquid sample or 5 g solid sample</li><li>Module for active fume exhaust and neutralization scrubber</li><li>Programmable temperature (30−450°C)</li></ul>Büchi KjelFlex K-360 distillation unit<ul><li>Measurement range of total nitrogen 0.1−200 mg</li><li>Configured for 300 mL sample tubes</li><li>Automatic acid and base addition</li><li>Adjustable distillation time</li><li>Possibility to couple with a titration unit to automate the analytical process from the beginning to the end&nbsp;</li></ul>

Kjeldahl nitrogen system

Key technical featuresHACH DR3900*<ul><li>Wavelength range 320–1100 nm, i.e. visible spectrum</li><li>Operating modes transmittance (%), absorbance and concentration</li><li>Can be operated with rectangular cuvettes (10 x 10 mm or 10 x 50 mm) or round cells (diameter 13 mm)</li><li>User-defined methods or pre-programmed HACH-LANGE methods, which are automatically conducted by the spectrophotometer based on the barcode of the HACH-LANGE cuvette kit</li></ul>&nbsp;*HACH DR3900 is part of&nbsp;<a href="https://www.tuni.fi/en/research/bio-and-circular-economy-infrastructure-bic-firi">Bio and Circular Economy infrastructure (BIC-FIRI) | Tampere universities (tuni.fi)</a>&nbsp;-project.Funded by the European Union – NextGenerationEU.<figure role="group"><img src="https://content-webapi.tuni.fi/image-style/max_1300x1300/proxy/public/2024-01/en_funded_by_the_european_union_rgb_pos.png?itok=pdxVOS8e" alt="" ></figure>

Spectrophotometers

The TOC analyser can be used to determine the concentration of different carbon species in liquid samples; total carbon (TC), total inorganic carbon (TIC), non-purgeable organic carbon (NPOC), and purgeable organic carbon (POC). TOC can be determined indirectly as a subtraction of TC and TIC fractions, or directly as a sum of NPOC and POC fractions. The TOC analyser can also be used to determine the concentration of total nitrogen (TN) in the samples.&nbsp;Typical applications with the TOC analyser at BIC include determination of&nbsp;<ul><li>Dissolved organic carbon from <a href="https://doi.org/10.1016/j.watres.2022.118149" data-entity-type="external">drinking water</a> to assess water quality</li><li>CO2 as TIC fraction to follow substrate consumption in a <a href="https://doi.org/10.1007/s00253-024-13218-y" data-entity-type="external">microbial cultivation</a></li></ul>Key technical featuresShimadzu TOC-LCSH + TNM<ul><li>For liquid samples (clean and less clean with solid residues), gas samples (POC)</li><li>Autosampler for 93 vials (9 mL and 24 mL), latter with mixing</li><li>Capillaries have diameter of 0.8 mm for samples containing solid residues</li><li>Determination of TC, TIC, NPOC and POC by catalytic oxidation and infra-red detection<ul><li>Measurement ranges 0−30 g/L for TC and NPOC, 0−35 g/L for TIC, 0−500 mg/L for POC</li><li>Detection limit 4 µg/L for TC and TIC</li></ul></li><li>Determination of TN by catalytic thermal decomposition and chemiluminescence detection<ul><li>Measurement range 0−10 g/L</li><li>Detection limit 5 µg/L</li></ul></li></ul>

Total organic carbon (TOC) analyser

Analytical equipment

MSEE research fields

Related infrastructures at Tampere University

Research Infrastructures of Materials Science and Environmental Engineering

Bio and circular economy characterization infrastructure includes several different analytical instruments. These devices are used for characterization of solid, liquid, and gaseous samples. This research infrastructure is essential part for whole Bio and Circular Economy (BIC) research field.

Hervanta Campus

Faculty of Engineering and Natural Sciences

Bio and Circular Economy (BIC)

Samples

Materials Science and Environmental Engineering

Analytical equipment of Bio and Circular Economy includes several chromatographical and analytical instruments. These devices are used for the characterization of solid, liquid and gaseous samples. Analytical Equipment infrastructure is essential part for whole Bio and Circular Economy research group.