The dioxin analysis laboratory in HKBU was built in April of 2003. As the sole academic dioxin analysis laboratory in Hong Kong, this facility is to utilize our experience in dioxin analysis to support researches related to dioxins as well as other persistent organic pollutants (POPs) and to provide analytical service to our society.
Major objectives of the dioxin analysis program include:
¡E To establish analytical protocols for dioxin analysis based on our experience
and certified standard procedures, to participate in local and international
inter-laboratory quality control studies, and to achieve accreditation
and recognition locally and internationally.
¡E To conduct research on the development and validation of new analytical
techniques for higher-throughput dioxin screening, with the assistance
of the developed standard analytical program.
¡E To provide analytical services to academic and governmental projects of
environmental studies on dioxins and other POPs
¡E To build up a comprehensive database for research and development in environmental
management, as well as the provision of technical advice and services to
industrial sectors, government departments and the general public.
Organisation
Chart of Hong Kong Baptist University,
Dioxin Analysis Laboratory
Hong Kong Baptist University
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Faculty of Science
¡ý-------------------JOES
Director of Dioxin Analysis Laboratory
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Technical Manager Quality Manager
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Technician
Research plan and methodology
The analytical program includes method development as well as adoption, modification and validation of the analytical standard procedures approved by international organizations. The general procedure involves dioxin sample preparations, QA/QC protocols and HRGC/HRMS analysis. The laboratory regularly participates in inter-laboratory validations and quality control studies organized by international organizations.
Sample preparation for dioxin analysis
Protocols of dioxin sample preparation are developed according to the internationally standardized procedures and more importantly, based on our strong experience with dioxin analysis. The ultimate goal is to achieve the required recovery with the sample extracts being clean enough for the HRGC/HRMS analysis.
HRGC/HRMS analysis
HRGC/HRMS analysis with magnetic-sector mass spectrometer provides high sensitivity and specificity for ultra-trace analysis of dioxins in complex environmental matrices. The technique has been standardized and approved by U.S.-EPA (methods 1613 and TO-9A), European (standard EN-1948-1) and the Ontario Ministry of Environment (MOE). The laboratory will strictly follow the analytical criteria when developing the methodologies.
Quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC)
QA/QC procedures, including QA sample analysis, instrumental calibration/evaluation, compound identification criteria, accuracy, precision and recovery requirements, will be investigated. Staff involved in the dioxin projects will be trained for safety and QA/QC. All related data will be clearly recorded and stored.
Method validation
It is important to participate in inter-laboratory validation and quality control studies in order to achieve recognition locally and internationally. The laboratory regularly participates in various international validation programs and also the inter-laboratory quality control studies for the determination of dioxins in environmental and food matrices. Last year we participated in the 8th round of International Proficiency Tests dioxins and dioxin-like PCBs in fly-ashes, soils and sediments. The published final results indicated that our laboratory is ranked on the top among over 110 dioxin laboratories worldwide that took part in the test (see reports). Meanwhile, our laboratory is currently preparing for HOKLAS accreditation for dioxin analysis.
Safety issues
The operation of the dioxin laboratory in HKBU strictly follows international and local safety guidelines for dioxin analysis. The personnel working in the laboratory needs to pass all related safety trainings. Dioxin sample extraction and analysis are conducted in separated and specially designed rooms that are isolated from other students and staffs.
