Passive sampling observation 

Observation of polar organic contaminants using POCIS passive samplers

We offer a passive sampling approach for the detection and observation of polar organic contaminants in the water environment. Passive sampling is a complementary approach to the traditionally used grab or automated sampling. The benefit of passive sampling is that it provides data on time-integrated concentrations, avoiding the need to visit a sampling site multiple times to collect representative samples. A further advantage of passive sampling is the ability to mimic biological uptake, avoiding using aquatic organisms for biomonitoring. We propose 10 POCIS samplers, enough to cover a selected water body (river, lake, etc.) and to get basic information about contamination status.

Histological Specimen Processing

Histological processing of fish tissue, larvae, and embryos

As is commonly known, histology is the discipline of biology that involves the microscopic examination of thin stained tissue sections to study their structure and correlate it with function. Histology can detect signs of disease, changes in the internal structure of tissues, sex changes in juvenile individuals etc. that are not easily recognized on gross examination. This requires the preparation of very thin, high-quality sections (slices) mounted on glass slides and appropriately stained to demonstrate normal and abnormal structures. This is how we are able to process your samples. As a Laboratory of germ cells, we specialize in fish gonads, larvae and embryos but we can histologically process all fish tissues according to your requirements. We suggest processing at least 20 samples of control or exposed fish for later statistical analysis.

Analyses of lipids and fatty acids

Analyses of lipids and fatty acids from a diverse range of matrices and environmental samples

We offer analytical services for lipids and fatty acids in various matrices (mud, fish, soil, plants, fish faeces, cell culture, etc.) and samples from the water environment. The offered types of analyses are Gravimetric determination of lipid content, Lipid class separation, and quantification via the HPTLC method, Extraction of specific lipid classes, and Determination and quantification of fatty acid profiles in the total lipids or in different lipid classes.

Sampling for food web analysis 

Field samplings and sampling processing to gain full food sources structure for future stable isotope analysis to evaluate trophic positions of particular taxa

Understanding the trophic relationships in freshwater communities (and does not matter if with important endangered species or invaded by non-native species or both) is key to determine the modes of action and development of situation and project possible impacts of interacting variables on the natural habitat. Traditional gut content analysis provides snapshots of an individual's recent diet and inevitably overestimates the consumption of hard-digestible prey. It should be combined with advanced samplings of all possible sources for following carbon and nitrogen (possibly oxygen of sulphur) stable isotopes analysis (SIA) which integrates a longer dietary history and overcomes these issues. It enables quantification of a species’ diet, trophic position and niche width, and potential feeding competition. Nonetheless, coupling gut content analysis and complex SIA approaches has been demonstrated to provide the most reliable dietary information. It is also proven to be a powerful tool to determine the impacts of invasive species, including predation and competition pressure on native species, but also the interaction between different invasive species. Trophic webs change between habitats and seasons, following the availability of prey and environmental conditions within a watershed and can be highly modified by the waterbody management (aquaculture, electricity production, recreation etc.), physical and chemical variables, and naturally by the community composition. Therefore, it is essential to investigate invasive species’ trophic ecology at different stages, which can be accomplished with a space-for-time approach, by studying the trophic position in areas with well-established populations and at the invasion front. For that complex research approach is necessary to plan well organized, all-embracing sampling and samples processing for future SIA.