Physicochemical Laboratory

Physicochemical laboratory facilities

  • Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS) in flame mode and electrothermal
  • Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES)
  • Probes (monitoring of dissolved oxygen, pH, redox potential, conductivity, temperature)

Physicochemical lab objective

Our physicochemical laboratory develops several themes focused on the analysis of metals in different matrices:

Cathodic protection impact on marine environment

Bateau protection cathodique

  • Study of the dissolution of sacrificial zinc and aluminum anodes in port environment.
  • Distribution and accumulation of metallic elements in the water column and impact on marine organisms (oyster, mussels, sponges) and sediments.
  • Ecotoxicological studies in natural sea water: in vitro, in vivo and in situ.

Characterization of marine biofilm and corrosion products developed on the coupon surface or on alloy immersed in seawater


Types of studies and analyses

Physicochemical analyses

  • Treatment of liquid and solid samples (acid or heat stroke);
  • Determination of total metal concentrations in treated samples: sea water, sediment, living organisms, biofilms, corrosion deposits, metal alloys …;
  • Implementation of ecotoxicological tests on mesocosm under controlled conditions and in natural seawater.