Laboratory
Laboratory
The laboratory of the Mercury Technology Centre (CTM) specializes in the determination, characterization, and speciation of mercury across a wide range of matrices and concentration levels, including trace‑level analysis. Its work supports research projects, environmental studies, and assignments for public administration and collaborating entities.
CTM performs mercury analyses in water, air, and solids, both in the laboratory and in situ, as well as mercury speciation studies in soils and methylmercury determination—essential for assessing risks to human health and the environment. The laboratory also carries out physicochemical characterization of waste through leaching tests in accordance with UNE‑EN 12457‑4.
To ensure the reliability of analytical results, the laboratory has specific protocols for sampling, sample reception, and sample treatment, along with technical procedures that enabled ENAC accreditation for part of the analyses performed. Currently, this accreditation is under temporary suspension.
Nevertheless, the protocols and technical instructions, as well as participation in intercomparison programs, remain fully operational, with the aim of ensuring the quality and traceability of the various analytical determinations carried out in CTM laboratories.
In addition to mercury, the laboratory analyses heavy metals and metalloids, anions and cations, and performs water quality tests (pH, conductivity, BOD₅, COD, suspended solids, total phosphorus, sulphides, among others)
CTM is equipped with advanced, high sensitivity instrumentation, including:
- Atomic absorption spectrometry specifically designed for mercury.
- Plasma based systems (ICP) for multielement analysis.
- Equipment for methylmercury analysis with ultra low detection limits.
- Portable analyzers for in situ mercury measurements in air and soils.
- Portable XRF equipment for rapid metal analysis in soils.
The laboratory also has auxiliary sample‑preparation equipment, such as microwave digestion systems, freeze‑dryers, ovens, mills, and sieving systems, as well as dedicated areas for the reception, preservation, and treatment of solid samples, particularly oriented toward the study of soils from the Almadén mining district.
All facilities are equipped with safety and environmental control systems, including extraction hoods, ventilated cabinets, gas systems, and demineralized water supply, ensuring a safe and controlled working environment.
