Laboratories

Our laboratories are equipped with the best cutting-edge technology in various aspects, with the purpose of optimizing internal processes of quality and time.

Our internal investments are focused on customer service since the proposal elaboration, collection, receipt of samples, analysis and, finally, the release of the results report. With this, we have my LIMS Laboratory Management System, facilitating the integration of our internal areas, collection services and analytical data issued in our laboratories.

We have the following laboratory areas:

Sample reception Chromatography Physicochemical Metals Microbiology Hydrobiology and Biological Analysis Parasitology Ecotoxicologia Ambiental

Sample reception

Oceanus has a large area for the distribution of samples received from its customers and its own collection team. Field data, such as analyzes and verification parameters, are evaluated and recorded in our management system and automatically reported to the customer upon receipt.

We receive your samples 24 hours and 365 days a year.

Chromatography

With a highly qualified team, including masters and specialists, the organic chemistry laboratory of the Oceanus Group figures as one of the main analytical references in Brazil, reaching the limits for complying with legislation, thus guaranteeing the satisfaction and expectation of our customers.

The chromatography laboratory has the latest equipment, including a triplequadrupole (GC – MSMS) model 7010B, from the robust Agilent, which detects in a femtogram (10-15), in addition to gas chromatography (CG) and gas chromatographs coupled to spectrometry of masses (GC-MS). The laboratory has strict process quality control, gaining the reliability and traceability of all raw data generated.

Among the main analyzes we can highlight:

Sweep of volatile organic compounds – EPA 8260
Sweep of semi-volatile organic compounds – EPA 8270
Total Petroleum Hydrocarbons – TPH´s – EPA 8015
Fractional TPH
TPH Fingerprint
TPH tracks
Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons – HPA´s
Polychlorinated Biphenyls – PCBs
Organochlorine Pesticides – POCs
Organophosphate Pesticides – POFs
Carbamates
Phthalates
Phenols
Haloacetic Acids
Trihalomethanes
Benzene, Toluene, Ethylbenzene and Xylenes – BTEX
Tributyltin

Physicochemical

Containing classic and state-of-the-art methodologies, the Physical-Chemical laboratory has the largest variety of parameters analyzed in our laboratories and great analytical capacity. Among the analytical techniques we have:

Ultraviolet and visible spectrophotometry
Discrete sample analyzer
Ion chromatography
Infrared Analysis
Chemiluminescence Analysis
Selective ion potentiometry
Gravimetry
Titrometry
Nephelometry

Metals

A pioneer in Rio de Janeiro in the analysis of metals in the ppb and sub ppb range, the Oceanus metals laboratory has cutting edge technology for the analysis of metals using the Inductively Coupled Plasma technique with detection by an ICP-MS mass spectrometer. In addition to this, it also has the classic methodologies of flame atomic absorption spectrometry, hydride generation and cold steam. Such equipment allows the analysis of metals, including mercury, arsenic, selenium, bismuth and antimony in several matrices with greater simplicity, speed and quality.

Microbiology

Oceanus’ microbiology laboratory has its own infrastructure for meeting customer requests and requests, meeting the most diverse laws in force in the market.

Equipped with the latest materials, we have a team of trained professionals so that the entire analysis process is carried out with control, asepsis and quality, from receipt to delivery of results.

With years of experience in the market, the microbiology sector has been a reference in the research of microorganisms of environmental importance.

Our scope includes analyzes of:

– Total, Thermotolerant and Escherichia coli coliforms;

– Heterotrophic bacteria;

– Streptococcus sp .;

– Enterococcus faecalis;

– Clostridium perfringens;

– Pseudomonas aeruginosa;

– Staphylococcus aureus;

– Legionella pneumophila;

– Salmonella sp .;

– Sulfate Reducing Bacteria;

– Iron precipitating bacteria;

– Molds and yeasts;

– Candida Albicans.

Hydrobiology and Biological Analysis

The organisms of the aquatic biological community are considered good indicators of changes in the environment and can be called bioindicators. Our laboratory is able to analyze these organisms both qualitatively and quantitatively.

Cyanobacteria

In general and briefly, they can be defined as photosynthetic bacteria. Some are of interest to the pharmaceutical and agricultural markets, however, they can produce toxins that, when released in water, can cause damage to the health of animals and humans who ingest contaminated water. In addition, they can produce strong odor and unpleasant taste in the water. Hence the importance of monitoring the presence of cyanobacteria in water intended for consumption.

Phytoplankton

Popularly known as algae or microalgae, they represent the base of the aquatic marine or sweet food chain. The most representative groups of phytoplankton are diatoms and dinoflagellates, the latter being responsible for producing the famous “red tide” phenomenon. Monitoring the variation in the composition of the phytoplankton community helps to identify possible environmental impacts on the community from anthropic polluting sources, such as effluent releases.

Chlorophyll a, b, c and pheophytin a

Phytoplankton biomass can be indirectly determined through the concentration of photosynthetic pigments. The analysis of these pigments is done by spectrophotometry and is able to provide a faster response to the phytoplankton biomass present in the study environment.

Compliance with Consolidation Ordinance 5/17

Periphyton

Defined as a “complex community of algae, bacteria, fungi and animals, in addition to debris, adhered to submerged organic or inorganic substrates, living or dead”. Basically, we work with analysis of the peripheral algae. Because it is a community that lives fixed on some type of substrate, it becomes more susceptible to the action of predators, as well as to impacts from specific anthropic sources.

Zooplankton

They can be defined as aquatic animals that live “adrift” in marine and sweet environments. The composition of this community is well diversified, especially the groups of protozoa, rotifers and crustaceans. As with phytoplankton, monitoring the variation in zooplankton composition can assist in identifying possible environmental impacts on the community from anthropogenic polluting sources.

Ichthioplankton

The ichthyoplankton consists of the eggs and larvae of fish that live “adrift in aquatic marine and freshwater environments. The study of this community aims to obtain information about the distribution and abundance of eggs and fish larvae, having great importance in determining spawning periods and places. Such information is essential for the knowledge, maintenance and preservation of the species of this community, mainly for the fishing industry.

Parasitology

Realizamos estudos de presença/ausência de parasitas nocivos à saúde humana e que são passíveis de ocorrerem em águas destinadas ao consumo ou em solos.

Giárdia

Giárdia is a microscopic protozoan that parasites the intestines of mammals, including humans. The main risks of infection by Giárdia are given through the consumption of food contaminated by untreated water, self-infection (eg: contact with contaminated feces – mainly due to poor hand hygiene after changing contaminated baby diapers) or handling food inappropriately.

Compliance with Consolidation Ordinance 5/17

Cryptosporidium

Cryptosporidium is a protozoan responsible for cryptosporidiosis, which is an infection often associated with diarrhea in young individuals and prolonged gastroenteritis in immunodeficient people. The transmission of the disease can occur through person-to-person, animal-to-person contact or ingestion of contaminated water and food. Some studies recommend that treated water be filtered or boiled to make sure that oocysts resistant to the usual treatment methods (such as chlorination) are eliminated.

Atendimento à Portaria de Consolidação nº 5 /17

Helminths

Popularly known as worms, helminths are transmitted through contact with the contaminated food or place. Among the diseases caused by helminths, we can highlight ascariasis or roundworm, hookworm or yellowing and the geographic bug. In addition to good hygiene habits, it is recommended to avoid walking barefoot, as the soil may be infected with feces from contaminated animals.

Environmental Ecotoxicology

Ecotoxicological analyzes are able to provide information about an organism’s real response when exposed to an effluent or test solution. Given that the synergy between the physical and chemical characteristics of the sample is not noticeable when we analyze the elements separately, the toxicity analysis becomes essential to obtain a real result of how the biota reacts to this synergy between the elements. The analysis of the toxins released by the organisms, cyanobacteria in this case, tells us the toxic potential of water.

Acute Toxicity - Danio Rerio

Analysis of the mortality of the fish species Danio Rerio when exposed to an effluent in a time of 48 hours (static test). The results can be expressed in a qualitative (toxic or non-toxic) or quantitative (FT – toxicological factor; CENO – unobserved effect concentration; LC50 – lethal concentration at 50% of exposed organisms)

Compliance with ABNT NBR 15088; CONAMA Resolution 357/2005 and 430/2011 and CONEMA 86/2018

Acute Toxicity – Daphnia similis

Compliance with ABNT NBR 12713; CONAMA Resolution 357/2005 and 430/2011 and CONEMA 86/2018

Acute Toxicity – Mysidopsis sp.

Compliance with ABNT NBR 15308; CONAMA Resolution 357/2005 and 430/2011 and CONEMA 86/2018

Acute Toxicity – Artemia salina

Compliance with ABNT NBR 16530; CONAMA Resolution 357/2005 and 430/2011 and CONEMA 86/2018

Acute Toxicity – Amphipods (Leptocheirus plumulosus, Tiburonella vizcana, Grandidierella boneiroides e Hyalella azteca)

Compliance with ABNT NBR 15638 and ABNT NBR 15470 standards; CONAMA Resolution 454/2012

Chronic Toxicity – Ceriodaphnia dubia

Compliance with ABNT NBR 13373; CONAMA Resolution 357/2005 and 430/2011 and CONEMA 86/2018

Chronic Toxicity – Urchin (Echinometra lucunter)

Compliance with ABNT NBR 15350; CONAMA Resolution 357/2005, 430/2011, 454/2012

Chronic Toxicity – Hyalella azteca

Compliance with ABNT NBR 15470

Cyanotoxins

Cyanotoxins are toxins produced by cyanobacteria and can be harmful to man. The effects vary according to the type and amount of toxin ingested, ranging from malaise to death.

Microcystin

Microcystin is a hepatotoxin produced by cyanobacteria (eg, microcystin and nodularin). They cause malaise, vomiting, headache and gastroenteritis. Episodes of microcystin ingestion were responsible for the death of fish, animals important to the farming industry, pets and humans (if it occurred in the state of Pernambuco).

Compliance with Consolidation Ordinance No. 5 of 09/28/2017

Saxitoxina

Saxitoxin is a neurotoxin. Neurotoxins are substances that block the transmission of signals between two neurons, or between a neuron and its effector (a muscle, for example).

Compliance with Consolidation Ordinance No. 5 of 09/28/2017

Cylinderspermopsin

Cylindrospermopsin is a cytotoxin inhibitor of protein synthesis, which can affect all cells, especially the kidneys and liver of mammals; in cases of severe intoxication it leads to generalized cell necrosis (kidneys, liver, spleen, lung, intestine).

Organic Geochemistry Laboratory

The organic geochemistry laboratory of HCS – Hydrocarbon Solutions / Oceanus Group has the most advanced technology in the Brazilian market, being the only private laboratory in the country to have dedicated equipment, the Agilent 7010B triple quadrupole GC / MS which is the most sensitive version of the systems quad / triple quadruple (MS / MS) from Agilent, for identification and quantification of C26 and C30 sterane compounds, which provide key information for characterizing the depositional environment of organic matter (marine). We have a broad and multidisciplinary analytical scope:

Gases

Headspace
Compositional analysis
Isotopes

Rocks

Total Organic Carbon
Sulfur
Pyrolysis (S1, S2, S3 and Tmax)
Extraction
CG-Extract
Sara (Fractionation)
Biomarkers
Isotopes

Oil

Whole Oil
Sara (Fractionation)
Biomarkers
Isotopes

Sediments

TPH
Hopanos and Esteranos