Automation brings greater consistency to environmental laboratory workflows

Environmental laboratories are increasingly looking to automation to reduce manual sample handling and improve consistency across routine analytical workflows. Skalar Analytical B.V. offers a range of systems covering sample preparation, wet chemistry, carbon and nitrogen analysis and routine physical and chemical measurements.

The portfolio is designed for laboratories working with drinking water, wastewater, groundwater and surface water, as well as solid and semi-solid samples. Automation can be applied at different stages of the workflow, from sample preparation through to final measurement.

For trace pollutant analysis, the SPE-03 Automated SPE System performs solid-phase extraction on up to eight samples in parallel without operator attendance. The system can be used to prepare environmental samples for the analysis of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), pesticides, polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs), polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) and other analytes.

For higher sample volumes, the Presto Accelerated SPE System uses controlled flow and pressure to accelerate solid-phase extraction of water and more complex matrices. Applications include PFAS, semi-volatile organic compounds (SVOCs), PCBs, PAHs and other trace pollutants.

Skalar's SAN++® continuous flow analyser provides automated colorimetric analysis of parameters including ammonium (NH₄), nitrate (NO₃), phosphate (PO₄), chloride, cyanide, phenol index, total nitrogen and total phosphorus. Sample distillation and digestion can also be incorporated into the automated workflow.

The BLUVISION® discrete analyser provides an alternative approach to colorimetric analysis where laboratories need to handle a wider range of sample types and matrices. Applications include drinking water, wastewater, groundwater and surface water.

For carbon and nitrogen analysis, IGNIVIUS is designed for liquid samples and can measure total organic carbon (TOC), total bound nitrogen (TNb), total inorganic carbon (TIC), total carbon (TC), non-purgeable organic carbon (NPOC), purgeable organic carbon (POC) and dissolved organic carbon (DOC).

The PRIMACS™ Series extends carbon and nitrogen analysis to solids, liquids and suspensions, measuring TOC, TC, TIC, total nitrogen (TN) and elemental carbon.

Routine physical and chemical measurements can be automated using Skalar's SP2000 robotic analyser. The platform supports biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), chemical oxygen demand (COD), pH, conductivity, alkalinity, turbidity and colour measurements, as well as test kit and ion-selective electrode applications.

Together, these systems allow laboratories to automate individual analytical stages or build a more integrated workflow around the types of samples and parameters they handle routinely.