The Aquatic Bio-optics and Biogeochemistry Laboratory enables researchers to study the effects of climate change and permafrost thawing on lake water transparency and mixing dynamics and their multiple impacts on the microbial food chain, greenhouse gas emissions, and oxythermal habitat. Research at the Aquatic Bio-Optics and Biogeochemistry Laboratory also focuses on developing optical equipment for early detection of algal and cyanobacterial blooms and other problems related to water browning.
Confocal microscopy and flow cytometry laboratoryThe laboratory is equipped with a four-laser LSRFortessa cytometer that allows high-level multiparametric analyzes to characterize cell populations. A BD FACS Calibur two-laser cytometer is used to perform routine analyzes such as the expression of surface markers. The Zeiss LSM780 confocal microscopy system is a state-of-the-art instrument for the study of various cellular and subcellular biological processes such as intracellular trafficking and localization of pathogen molecules.
This pilot laboratory provides the scientific community and industry with its multidisciplinary expertise and state-of-the-art equipment for the development and scaling of fermentation processes as well as the recovery, purification and characterization of various microbial derivatives. Its primary purpose is R & D in the field of biotechnology, and especially value-added products using putrescible residues as raw material.
This laboratory is used in particular to carry out research work on understanding the environmental fate of energetic materials. The laboratory consists of two experimental pans, the size of which makes it possible to carry out restoration experiments similar to field conditions, but under controlled experimental conditions. These tanks can contain 4 to 9 m3 of soil from contaminated sites or clean soils to which specific contaminants can be added.
This laboratory consists of a physical model of a municipal drinking water distribution network aimed at better management of these networks. The infrastructure replicates a typical sector of a municipal drinking water system. The pipes are about 2/3 of the actual diameter and pressure of a real network. The network is equipped with numerous sensors (flow, pressure, conductivity), pressure regulators, isolation valves and faucets (to simulate water usage or leaks) that are all connected to a central computer system . The assembly is designed to be more versatile.
These laboratories make it possible to analyze water samples by colorimetry, fluorometry, spectroscopy, radioisotopy and chromatography, as well as to analyze organic compounds and trace metals present in different matrices (water, effluents, sewage sludge, soils, sediments, biological tissues), and finally, to analyze the elements present in solid samples (rocks, soils, sediments, sludge). X-ray microfluorescence scanning: Non-destructive x-ray analyzes coupled with chemical X-ray fluorescence analysis of rocks, soils and sediments. Scanning electron microscopy: Production of high resolution images of the surface and composition of a sample using technology using electron-matter interactions.