Research infrastructure Umeå Marine Sciences Centre (UMF) analyzes marine samples, participates in international calibrations and is specialized in brackish water biology and chemistry. Analyses are performed on the request of government agencies and universities, supporting research and environmental monitoring. The analyses are accredited by Swedac.
Water sampling in the Gulf of Bothnia.
ImageÅsa Hallberg
One of UMF:s accredited taxonomists analyzes a benthic fauna sample.
ImageMarkus NordinThe analyses include species identification, biovolume and primary production for phytoplankton, bacteria growth and bacteria concentration, picocyanobacteria concentration, abundance and biomass for phytoplankton and soft bottom fauna. The C14 method is used to determine the phytoplankton primary production. Bacteria growth is determined by using the H3-tritium method.
Analyses of nutrients in water samples are performed on board the research vessel KBV 181.
ImageSiv Huseby/UMFAbout 10 000 chemical analyses are performed at UMF every year. Besides water, sediment and other solid samples can be analysed.
The following instrumentation is used to determine carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus in various sample types:
UMF and the Finnish Environment Institute take samples for analysis and assessment of the environmental status of the sea. To intercalibrate the analyses, samples are taken in the same place at the same time from both research vessels. The samples are exchanged and the results are compared.
ImageFinnish Environment Institute SYKEUMF regularly takes part in international quality assurance programmes, for example the European Quasimeme-programme.
UMF is accredited by Swedac for biological and chemical analyses. Expert staff perform the accredited analyses, and specialized laboratories are used to which only authorized personnel have access.
Please visit the following webpage to find information about ongoing research and available infrastructure within marine science: www.umu.se/en/marinescience
