MAIN RESEARCH TOPICS

Our research integrates electrochemistry, analytical chemistry, and environmental science, with a focus on complex matrices such as seawater, estuaries, sediments, and biological samples. We specialize in:

• Chemical and redox speciation of trace elements using advanced electrochemical and separation techniques
• Determination and speciation of mercury (total, reactive, gaseous, and methylated forms)
• Development of innovative analytical methods and electrochemical sensors for field and in situ measurements of trace elements
• Analysis of ultra-low concentrations of elements using electrochemical techniques and ICP-MS, with a focus on environmentally relevant metals, including technologically critical elements (TCEs) such as platinum-group elements (PGEs) and rare earth elements (REEs)
• Microplastics as vectors of trace elements transport in aquatic environment
• Theoretical electrochemistry and development of methods for assessing the antioxidant properties of biologically active compounds
• Application of low-field magnetic susceptibility for detecting metals in sediments and soils
• Geochemistry of sediments - study of the chemical composition and diagenetic processes

RESEARCH PROJECTS

We participate in national and international research projects as project leaders or collaborators, including: Croatian Science Foundation (HRZZ): RHEMAR - Assessment of the importance and origin of rhenium-containing particles in the marine environment; HORIZON Teaming project: CoE MARBLE - Centre of Excellence in Maritime Robotics and Technologies for Sustainable Blue Economy, SNSF: Advanced in situ sensing systems for high-resolution speciation in aquatic ecosystems; INTERREG projects: ROBONETCBC - Developing innovation network for uptake of solutions in robotics and sensors to improve monitoring and prevention of pollution of freshwater and sea ecosystems, SMART-Water - Self-sustainable Multisensor System for Monitoring Water Quality in Inland Waterbodies; DIH Innova-Mare – Cross-border digital innovation HUB for innovative marine technology; SOUND – Swarm of Underwater Noise Detectors.

The LPCT participates in environmental research and monitoring programmes in collaboration with institutions such as Croatian Waters, Josip Juraj Strossmayer Water Institute (Monitoring Programme of Transitional and Coastal Waters), Marine Reference Centre, and public institutions responsible for managing marine protected areas (MPA).

ACTIVE INTERNATIONAL COLLABORATIONS

• Mediterranean Institute of Oceanography, France
• University of Bordeaux, France
• ETH Zurich and University of Geneva, Switzerland
• East China Normal University, China
• Institute of Marine Sciences of Andalusia, Spain
• University of Bahia, Brazil
• Constructor University, Germany
• Trent University, Canada
• University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, USA
• University of Belgrade, Serbia

SCIENTIFIC OUTPUT

Each year, members of the laboratory publish approximately twenty research papers in international peer-reviewed scientific journals.

SELECTED RESEARCH EQUIPMENT

• Electrochemical instruments – Metrohm Autolab, PalmSense
• Fluorescence spectrometer – HORIBA Aqualog
• UV-Vis spectrometer – Analytik Jena Specord 200, PE-Lambda 45
• Ion chromatograph – Metrohm Compact Eco
• Cold vapor spectrometer and direct determination of Hg – DMA 80 evo
• Automatic analyser of nutrients in seawater – EasyChem Plus
• Microwave digestion – Anton Paar Multiwave 5000
• TOC analyser – Shimadzu TOC-L analyser

SERVICES

• Analysis of trace elements (including mercury) in all environmental matrices
• Environmental status assessments and environmental impact evaluation
• Water and sediment sampling by scuba-diving
• Sampling in speleological (cave) environments

KNOWLEDGE TRANSFER AND POPULARISATION

We actively contribute to knowledge transfer through participation in graduate and doctoral programmes and by mentoring students at the University of Zagreb and Zadar. We also host international students and engage in science outreach and educational activities with young generations.