Marine Chemistry Laboratory
The Marine Chemistry Laboratory of the Iranian National Institute for Oceanography and Atmospheric Science was established in 2003. Its experienced researchers and specialists use advanced and specialized laboratory equipment to conduct applied, fundamental, and research projects both within and outside the institute. The laboratory also provides analytical services and participates in collaborative studies in chemistry and environmental sciences with organizations and institutions such as the Department of Environment, Iran's National Research Council, Research Institute of Petroleum Industry, Ministry of Energy, universities, and maritime organizations.
Scientific Infrastructure for Marine Studies
The Marine Chemistry Laboratory is equipped for continuous measurement of physical and chemical parameters and for facilitating research and access to Iran's marine environments. It has specialized equipment for water and sediment sampling, as well as field and laboratory measurement systems, located at oceanographic facilities in the Caspian Sea (Nowshahr), Persian Gulf (Bushehr), Strait of Hormuz (Bandar Abbas), and the Gulf of Oman and Indian Ocean (Chabahar).
Laboratory Infrastructure
Samples submitted to the Marine Chemistry Laboratory undergo preparation before laboratory analysis. Depending on the objectives of each project, procedures such as coding, drying, homogenization, extraction, digestion, clean-up, separation, concentration, and other preparation steps are performed using the laboratory's dedicated equipment.
Equipment
Following sample preparation, samples are analyzed using advanced and fully equipped laboratory systems. Given the importance of seawater carbonate chemistry to the growth and development of corals and other calcifying organisms, as well as the effects of ocean acidification on seawater carbonate chemistry, the Marine Chemistry Laboratory conducts comprehensive studies in this field.
Equipment
Marine Data Measurement and Analysis
The laboratory is equipped to measure and analyze a broad range of marine and environmental parameters for oceanographic and atmospheric studies.
Scientific and Specialized Activities
Laboratory activities include specialized analyses for monitoring chemical changes in oceans and marine waters, identifying chemical constituents of seawater, investigating biogeochemical cycles, and monitoring emerging contaminants. The development and application of advanced analytical and measurement methods are also important components of these activities in support of marine and environmental research.
Educational and science outreach activities include providing specialized scientific consultation to university students and higher education institutions, contributing to science communication, and collaborating on research projects and marine research cruises. The laboratory has also contributed to the preparation of Persian Gulf and Gulf of Oman atlases through measurements of parameters such as nitrate, phosphate, silicate, alkalinity, PCBs, TPH, PAHs, and TOC in water and sediment, and plays an active role in the preparation of research publications.
The laboratory actively contributes to water quality standardization through participation in the development of ISO international standards as well as relevant national water quality standards. Other activities include contributing to the establishment of the National Standardization Office, supporting the secretariat of the corresponding international water quality committee, participating in international ISO working groups, and regularly attending international and national meetings of the national standards organization.
Laboratory Activities
