Laboratory services of the IfAÖ
The IfAÖ has three laboratories at its Neu Broderstorf site.
Benthos laboratory
The starting point of all assessments and ecological analyses is the inventory of benthic animal and plant species. The sorting of the organisms, the identification of the species as well as the determination of individual numbers and biomasses is the task of the benthic laboratory.
Eight workstations are available for sorting out the animal material from the samples. Stereomicroscopes mounted on special tripods allow large sample volumes to be processed very effectively. Species identification is performed by four experienced taxonomists at three workstations equipped with powerful stereo and transmitted light microscopes. Constantly updated identification literature, participation in workshops in Germany and abroad, and contact with taxonomic specialists ensure the quality of the determination. Over 12,000 samples are stored in a database-managed specimen collection as reference material and reserve samples.
Sediment laboratory
For all benthic organisms, the composition of the sediment in which they live is one of the decisive ecological factors. Therefore, a small subsample is taken from each benthic sample for sediment analysis. In the sediment laboratory, the organic content (loss on ignition) and the grain size composition are determined. The laboratory is equipped with three sieving machines as well as drying ovens, annealing ovens and an analytical balance.
Taxonomy laboratory
The laboratory rooms of the Department of Benthic Organisms and Habitats are equipped with instruments for biochemical/ cell biological work. A clean room bench and incubator are available for performing cell culture work. Histological processing of samples includes the preparation of tissue sections and their evaluation by light or fluorescence microscopy. Investigations of contaminants in sediment and biota are carried out in long-term cooperation with accredited analytical laboratories.