THE LEADING LABORATORY NETWORK FOR THE CALCULATION OF BIOLOGICAL INDICATORS
We respond to all the analytical needs of the sector
Biological indicators or bio-indicators are living organisms, biological communities or biological features that are used to determine the ecological status of water bodies in terms of their response to environmental change or pollution, in accordance with the Water Framework Directive (Directive 2000/60/EC).
Its evaluation requires a high level of technical expertise that can only be found in a network of laboratories such as Eurofins Environment Testing Spain.
Types of biological indicators analysed:
Our aquatic ecology experts study the following biological indicators in relation to water quality:
Macroinvertebrates:
- Field sampling
- Taxonomic identification in the laboratory
- In-house developed software application for the management of the results.
- Real-time remote consultation of all the results of taxonomic identifications included in the database.
- Calculation of indices and metrics
Phytoplankton:
- Determination of the taxonomic composition of phytoplankton.
- Abundance of each species.
- Biovolume of each species and total.
- Potential toxicity of each species
- Trophic status of the water body.
- Metrics: % Chlorophytes, % Cyanophytes, % Diatoms, etc.
- Phytoplankton indices
- Detection and quantification of blooms
- Determination of cyanotoxins
Macrophytes:
- Identification by optical microscopy or staining techniques
- In-house developed software application for fast and efficient results management
- Real-time remote consultation of all results
Diatoms:
- Detection of pressures due to eutrophication, acidification and salinity changes.
- Phycotheca storage available to clients for possible future reviews and queries
- Provision of a collection of photographs of identified taxa
Ichthyofauna:
- Characterisation of fish fauna in lakes, lagoons, rivers and reservoirs by electrofishing.
- Sampling, analysis and identification in the field and in the laboratory.
- Own-developed computer application for the efficient management of results.
- Real-time remote consultation of all results
Zooplankton:
- Composition and specific diversity
- Relative abundances
- Internal diversity (α and γ): Shannon-Wiener index and Simpson’s index
- Biomass (µg/ind)
Invasive alien species:
- Taxonomic determination of invasive alien species in situ and in the laboratory
- Investigation, control and eradication of invasive alien species
Highest specialisation in biological indices
Biological indices are tools used in ecology and limnology to assess water quality and the health of aquatic ecosystems.
At Eurofins Environment Testing Spain we are specialists in the calculation of the following biological indices:
Inland macroinvertebrates
Benthic diatoms
Continental macrophytes
Fishes
Marine macroinvertebrates
Phytoplankton
Ecological diversity indices
Eurofins Environment Testing Spain actively promotes initiatives for the improvement of tools for the assessment of the ecological status of bodies of water, through the development of new indices based on biological quality elements that are sensitive to alterations in the optimal conditions of aquatic ecosystems.
These initiatives are developed in the field of R&D&I for the following biological indicators:
Calculation of hydromorphological indices
Hydromorphological indices are tools used to assess the quality and physical conditions of water bodies.
Eurofins Environment Testing Spain has specialised analysis laboratories for the calculation of the following hydromorphological indices:
ENAC Accredited Laboratories
Eurofins Environment Testing Spain laboratories are accredited under the UNE-EN ISO IEC/17.025 standard and also have double certification (UNE-EN ISO 9001: Quality Management System and UNE-EN ISO 14001: Environmental Management System).
What sets our laboratories apart?
Maximum range
We have a network of environmental laboratories distributed throughout the national territory, which makes us a benchmark supplier in the field of environmental analysis. In addition, we have maximum scope in terms of accredited parameters and environmental matrices, which allows us to cover all types of sectors and areas.
Guaranteed deadlines
Dealing directly with our customers is our “seal of identity”. We work every day to offer you the highest quality in our service and therefore, one of our main goals is the rigorous fulfilment of delivery deadlines. We also give individualised responses to emergencies, unforeseen events or specific requirements to our customers so that they always have the most efficient response possible.
Highest quality of service
Our accreditations endorse our efforts to offer a service of the highest quality. We work under demanding quality standards so that our environmental laboratories can offer their services with the utmost rigour and reliability.
Innovation and digitalisation
Our laboratories offer their clients a wide range of equipment, equipped with the latest technologies on the market and the experience of their staff for the development of new testing methods. Innovation and technology are two hallmark values of Eurofins Environment Testing Spain. Innovation and technology are two of Eurofins Environment Testing Spain’s hallmarks, and all our results are digitalised so that clients can consult them online in real time.
Our accreditations
We have a large number of accreditations from both ENAC and other bodies that allow us to guarantee our clients the maximum reliability and quality of the results.