| “This is the only university-level laboratory in Lithuania that carries out environmental research. KU Laboratory hires experienced professionals with both scientific and practical experience and knowledge. The University has made every effort to receive accreditation ahead of schedule. It is also very important to mention that during the accreditation process, the demand for services in the region was assessed, so in this case, we ensured that the provision of services would not be interrupted,” says Prof. Dr. Artūras Razbadauskas, KU Rector. | .jpg) |
The Laboratory is equipped with the latest analytical equipment used by Klaipeda University scientists to carry out research. Accredited activities of the Laboratory and the interaction between cutting-edge technology and science are key indicators in environmental research.
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“Other laboratories carry out tests, but do not take the samples themselves. In this case, KU MRI Coastal Environment and Biogeochemistry Laboratory ensures the accuracy and reliability of the data. Otherwise, simply put, it is not clear where the samples come from and in what containers they are collected. The accreditation of the Laboratory’s services demonstrates that the research carried out by our scientists is of the highest quality and meets the requirements of the international standard (LST EN ISO/IEC 17025) for the competence of laboratories for research, testing and calibration,” says Assoc. Prof. Dr. L. Šaltytė-Vaisiauskė, the Vice-Rector for Research and Innovation at KU. |
Relevant for both public and private sectors
Dr. Mindaugas Žilius, Head of the Coastal Environment and Biogeochemistry Laboratory, says that the accreditation is a recognition of the long and consistent work of the scientists, which contributes to the further growth of the scientific potential and provides an even wider range of operational opportunities.
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The services of the Laboratory have long been used by many companies and individuals. “Our research is used by both public bodies ranging from the Environmental Protection Agency to urban wastewater treatment plants and private companies as well as individuals. Anyone, who carries out activities and discharges pollutants into the environment, or those, who want to check the quality and properties of a certain element of the environment, for example, by ordering tests on waste water, water quality, or ground properties,” Dr. M. Žilius names the users of the Laboratory’s services. |
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According to Violeta Andriejūnienė, the Head of the Analysis and Measurement Quality Unit at the Environmental Protection Agency, the accreditation granted to the Laboratory is a major step forward.
“The accreditation speaks about the reliability of the test results. The third-party evaluation gives a very high level of confidence when using the services of an accredited laboratory,” says V. Andriejūnienė of the Laboratory’s achievements.
Dainius Michelevičius, CEO of Geobaltic, a company that uses the ground testing services, also praises the Coastal Environment and Biogeochemistry Laboratory. “I am pleased that the activities of KU Laboratory have been accredited, because as far as we know, it is one of the few laboratories that already has such accreditation. As a company, we are much more at ease knowing where we will be able to go for ground testing, when the law changes. And, of course, being accredited provides a guarantee of reliability and quality.”
More about the Laboratory
KU MRI Coastal Environment and Biogeochemistry Laboratory has specialists in chemistry, geology, ecology, and environmental science. Some of them have PhD degrees and are continuously updating their qualifications by attending courses in Lithuania and internships in foreign laboratories.
Using analytical, testing, and experimental equipment, the Laboratory carries out surface water and wastewater analyses, qualitative and quantitative analysis of micro-pollutants, studies of aquatic ecosystem biodiversity, studies of environmental genetics, determination of the elemental composition of bottom sediments, sludge, and soil, assessment of ground properties, and experimental analysis of biogeochemical processes.
The Laboratory was established in 2018, but KU scientists started extensive biogeochemical and other research as early as 2011. Over time, the range of tests available in the Laboratory has expanded, and in 2023, preparations for accreditation began.
Regarding the services, please contact inovacijos@ku.lt
