X-ray fluorescence techniques: In collaboration with the X-ray Microspectroscopy and Imaging Group at UGent (www.xmi.ugent.be), X-ray fluorescence techniques are used to detect spatially resolved levels of metals (Zn, Cu, Pb...) and important homeostasis elements such as Ca, K, Mg and Na in tissues of test organisms under various types of stress or abiotic conditions. We have access to both synchrotron-radiation based XRF and laboratory source XRF setups.
Passive samplers:Our passive samplers provide representative field measurements of concentrations of a wide range of pollutant types (non-polar organic, polar organic, organo-metals and metals). Depending on the sampler design and time of deployment in the field, they reflect either the equilibrium concentration or the time weighted average concentration of the pollutant in the water column.
Mathematical modeling: Using mathematics, we aim to develop a quantitative understanding of how ecosystems are structured and function. We use inverse modeling to estimate budgets of macro-elements in exposed field communities or exposed communities in micro-and mesocosm studies. Dynamic modeling is used to predict temporal changes in the size (biomass) of populations interacting through consumer-resource relationships. Statistical modeling, in particular generalized additive modeling, is used to disentangle trends in community characteristics over spatial or temporal gradients of stress. Lastly, biotic ligand models are developed to quantify bioavailability and toxicity in a wide range of water body types. All modeling techniques are in-house developed, except for additive modeling for which an excellent R package exists (‘mgcv’ (Wood 2004)), and can be made available upon request.
Micro-array and qPCR: Our group has used both custom-made cDNA microarrays for Daphnia magna in collaboration with the University of Antwerp and Roche NimbleGen whole-genome tiling microarrays for Daphnia pulex in collaboration with the Daphnia Genomics Consortium (https://wiki.cgb.indiana.edu/display/DGC/Home) and the University of Indiana. We use qPCR for quantitative gene transcription studies. For normal PCR applications, we use our Bio-Rad C1000 Thermal Cycler.
Micro CT scanning: the lab is collaborating with UGCT, which allows for micro CT scans of test organisms, to reveal structural changes or abnormalities.
Metal measurements
AAS: A Thermo CE 3000 series Atomic Absorption spectrometer is used for the analysis of metal concentrations in freshwater or in acid digests of tissues or sediments.
Voltammeter: A Metrohm 797 VA Computrace Voltammeter is used to analyse metal concentrations in sea waters or other complex media, or to measure metallothioneins.
TOC analyser: Total or Dissolved Organic and Inorganic Carbon concentrations in aqueous media are analysed with our Shimadzu TOC-5000 A device.
GC-MS: Our Thermo Quest Finnigan Trace DSQ coupled to a Thermo Quest Trace 2000 series GC allows us to analyse concentrations of different organic chemicals such as pesticides, PAHs…
Spectrophotometers: The lab is equipped with a Thermo Multiskan Ascent plate-reader with a four wavelength filter, which is mainly used to analyse colorimetric biochemical reactions. A Thermo Aquamate Spectrophotometer can be used in combination with water quality kits for spectrophotometric determinations of e.g. nitrate, phosphate or chlorine concentrations in water.
Coulter counter: A Beckman Z-1000 Coulter Counter is used for the quantification of algal cells, both in marine and in freshwater environments.
Standard cultures: Our group maintains standard cultures of several test species, such as Daphnia magna, Daphnia pulex, Pseudokirchneriella subcapitata, Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, Chironomus riparius, Lumbriculus variegatus, Gammarus pulex, Hyalella azteca, Ceriodaphnia dubio, Lemna minor.
Climate rooms. Our laboratory is equipped with several climatized rooms for bioassays, which are currently maintained at 15 °C, 20 °C and 24 °C.
Reverse osmosis: The laboratory is equipped with a reverse osmosis system, which can be coupled to a transportable pumping system to collect and concentrate natural DOC in the field.
Access to RV Simon Stevin: Our longstanding collaboration with the Flanders Marine Institute (www.vliz.be) provides us access to ‘RV Simon Stevin’, a fully equipped research vessel.