Analytical Services Unit
Queen's University
Iqaluit ASU (IASU)Iqaluit Analytical Services UnitThe ASU is opening a new permanent laboratory (IASU) in Iqaluit, the capital of Nunavut. Previously, ASU has operated an analytical testing laboratory during the summer months from an outfitted mobile laboratory trailer.
2010 was the third year that the IASU laboratory trailer was staffed for the summer season in Iqaluit, Nunavut. In 2007/2008 the laboratory was accredited by CALA (formerly CAEAL) for specific tests listed in the scope of accreditation. Accreditation was maintained for the summer of 2010 by successfully performing proficiency testing samples. During the summer of 2010, the lab received and analyzed samples from Environmental Services Group at the Royal Military College. This year however there was also a strong focus on Inuit training and capacity building.
Where is Iqaluit? "Iqaluit is the territorial capital and the largest community of the Canadian territory of Nunavut. Iqaluit is located on the south coast of Baffin Island at the head of Frobisher Bay".
NRI and IASU in the NewsDr Allison Rutter and Dr Bubby Kettlewell were at the IASU in August 2011 to prepare for the laboratory CALA accreditation process.
This coincided with a visit from the current Governor General of Canada, his Excellency the Right Honourable David Loyd Johnson. Dr Rutter met with the Governor General and showed him the new IASU facility.
Analytical Services Unit Oct 2011 |
IASU and the NRIIn March 2011 the IASU moved into permanent facilities at the new Nunavut Research Institute in Iqaluit.
"The Nunavut Research Institute is a gateway to the many exciting research and technology development initiatives underway in the territory" - Nunavut Arctic College
Click: to go to the NRI website
The laboratory was equipped with a Varian AA280FS (fast sequential atomic absorption spectrometer), a gas chromatograph and a Panalytical Minipal-4 energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence instrument (EDXRF). The atomic absorption spectrometer will allow IASU to expand the suite of metal analysis available in Iqaluit. In addition to the improved suite of analysis, this new venture will allow ASU to increase training opportunities.
Setting up the IASU March 2011
The Environmental Technology Program at Nunavut Arctic College is housed in the same facility as the IASU laboratory. In March 2011, three ASU staff spent a full day teaching the first and second year Environmental Technology students. Lectures on remediation at Arctic field sites and a hands on laboratory in which the students analysed soils for petroleum hydrocarbons and metals were very well received by the Arctic college staff and students. Plans are ongoing to teach a full course at Nunavut Arctic College in March 2012.
Above: IASU mobile lab trailer before the move |
