Department Analytical Chemistry
Head:
Office:
phone: (0341) 235-1261
fax: +49 341 235 450822
Permoserstraße 15
04318 Leipzig
Chemical information is the basis to assess the state of an environmental system, the environmental behavior of an element or of an organic contaminant or the extent of a transport or transformation process.
The Department of Analytical Chemistry develops novel analytical methods that allow generation of such information. Together with collaborators inside and outside the UFZ we are using these methods to tackle various research issues:
• detecting sources of contamination
• understanding the environmental behaviour of chemical or elements
• investigating the transfer of contaminants from the environment into biological systems
• elucidating transformation processes of contaminants in the environment and in living organism
• understanding biological effects of contaminants
• characterizing the state of environmental systems, namely of aquatic systems
• improving processes to reduce contaminant loads
The main tool in our research is mass spectrometry in its various forms suited for quantitative trace analysis, for the identification of organic contaminants and for element speciation.
We develop analytical methods and processes that allow,
• identification of previously unknown compounds, including transformation products, conjugates and adducts,
• detection of a larger number of contaminants in less time,
• determination of lower analyte concentrations,
• analysis from smaller sample volumes.
Additionally we provide analytical support to colleagues at the UFZ. The Department of Analytical Chemistry is also involved in teaching Analytical Chemistry to master students at the University of Leipzig.
