In the Element Analysis Laboratory, 27 elements (Al, As, Au, B, Ba, Bi, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, In, K, Mg, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Sb, Se, Sn, Sr, Pb, V and Zn) can be determined in geological, biological, food and environmental samples which are using an Atomic Absorption Spectrometer. Analyses are performed at ppm level using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), and at ppb level using graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS), cold-vapour and hydride methods.

XRF is an analytical technique used to identify elements present in samples such as plastics, ceramics, glass and plants. It is a relatively non-destructive technique and, depending on the sample matrix, can be used for analyses at ppm-to-% levels for all elements starting from boron (Z = 5) to uranium (Z = 92).

ENERGY-DISPERSIVE X-RAY FLUORESCENCE (EDXRF) (Istanbul Campus)

• Energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF): In an EDXRF spectrometer, the use of Si(Li) and low-energy Ge(Li) or HPGe solid-state detectors produces an X-ray energy spectrum through the distribution of voltage-pulse heights and their electronic separation.

• Sample quantities range from 0.1 to 5 grams. The technique can be applied to solids, liquids and even gases.

ATOMIC ABSORPTION SPECTROMETER (AAS) (Istanbul Campus)

The instrument can analyse metals (Ag, Ba, Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, In, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb and Zn) in various samples such as geological, biological, environmental and food samples at ppm level, and at ppb level by using the graphite-furnace method.

WAVELENGTH-DISPERSIVE X-RAY FLUORESCENCE SPECTROMETER (WDXRF) (Istanbul Campus)

A Wavelength-Dispersive X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (WDXRF); today, enables rapid and accurate qualitative and quantitative analysis of elements between fluorine and uranium.

INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA (ICP-OES) (Istanbul Campus)

Using a Perkin Elmer-designed high-energy echelle-based polychromator and a Perkin Elmer-patented S-CCD detector, nearly 70 trace elements can be analysed in liquid and solid samples at ppb and ppm levels. In addition, hydride-forming elements (As, Hg, Se, Sb, Sn and Te) can be analysed at ppb level by the ICP-OES/Hydride System method.

AIR POLLUTION MONITORING STATION (Istanbul Campus)

To monitor airborne radioactivity (gamma, tritium, total alpha and beta radiation) and environmental pollution, collected filter samples are analysed at the NÜKEN Istanbul Campus by using low-volume, high-volume and PM10-PM2.5 samplers. In addition, a wet-and-dry sampler is used to determine anions and trace, toxic and radioactive elements in precipitation and dry-deposition samples.

Spectroscopy laboratories are used to determine the effects of ionising radiation at molecular level or the properties of a molecule or material which are developed by using radiation. FTIR and/or Raman spectroscopy is also used where non-destructive molecular analysis is required. Bulk samples can be analysed without the need for sample purification or concentration.

The Spectroscopy Laboratory also has portable FTIR and Raman spectrometers for samples requiring on-site analysis.

DR/2800 VIS SPECTROMETER (Istanbul Campus)

It is used with barcoded test kits to analyse water and environmental samples for parameters such as nitrate, nitrite, anionic detergents, sulphate, chlorine and sulphur, etc.

Using a total organic carbon and total nitrogen analyser (TOC/TN) and a high-temperature combustion technique, total organic carbon and total nitrogen are measured in drinking water and sediment samples.