Photo: SGI/Malin Ellbrant

Environmental laboratory

SGI's environmental laboratory focuses on research and method development. We design and test new methods to analyze, identify, and quantify substances associated with contaminated sites.

SGI's environmental laboratory is dedicated to research and development in the analysis of contaminated sites.

The laboratory plays a significant role in much of the research conducted at SGI. This research focuses on understanding how contaminants behave in the environment and how they interact with their surroundings. This knowledge is essential for risk assessment, site characterization, the development of remediation methods, and long-term monitoring of these solutions.

We work both on behalf of SGI's own researchers and in collaboration with other industry partners.

External Testing Services

When capacity allows, we offer our testing services to external clients. However, for 2025, we are pausing new orders to concentrate on ongoing projects.

Soil washing is conducted in our laboratory

En kvinna i vit labbrock håller i en glasbehållare — Malin Ellbrant utför en tvätt av PFAS-förorenad jord

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Method development

We have extensive experience in method development and have long been actively involved in the work of the Swedish Geotechnical Society (SGF) to develop guidelines and standards. We also participate in various CEN standardization committees, contributing to the development of standards for both field and laboratory methods.

Oral bioavailability of contaminants in soil

The oral bioavailability of contaminants in soil is estimated using laboratory tests. These tests indicate how much of the contaminants can be released and absorbed by the body if soil is accidentally ingested.

The most widely used test in Sweden simulates the release of contaminants from soil when exposed to bodily fluids found in the stomach and small intestine. This test is standardized (SS-ISO 17924) but can be relatively complex and time-consuming.

To address this, a simplified method for estimating bioavailability has been developed and is currently being standardized under the leadership of French researchers. This simplified approach is being tested on Swedish soils at SGI's laboratory, with the goal of determining which types of contaminants and soil types it provides accurate results for.

POM for DDX Assessment

SGI's environmental laboratory, in collaboration with other researchers, has developed a method to measure the bioavailability of DDT and its degradation products in contaminated soils. This method uses polyoxymethylene (POM) as a passive sampler to determine the concentrations of these compounds in the pore water of soils.

The results demonstrated that the POM method is robust and reliable for quantifying freely dissolved DDT compounds in historically contaminated soils. However, the findings also highlighted several analytical challenges, including the potential degradation of DDX compounds during GC analysis and the need to adjust the analytical approach for different concentration levels.

Read the report