Lab Services
Soil and Water Analysis Lab
The Soil and Water Analysis Laboratory at the Kerala University of Fisheries and Ocean Studies (KUFOS) is a state-of-the-art facility under the Department of Aquatic Environment Management.This laboratory offers advanced analytical services to aquaculture farmers, the general public, and researchers, serving as a vital hub for scientific inquiry and inter-institutional collaborations. Equipped to address diverse water quality concerns, it plays an instrumental role in supporting sustainable aquaculture practices and public health initiatives.
During the Kerala floods of 2018, the laboratory demonstrated its societal commitment by analyzing 4,348 well water samples from across the state. This extensive testing ensured access to safe drinking water for the affected public. Since then, the lab has seen a continued demand for its services,particularly from individuals seeking assurance on the quality of drinking water. Key parameters such as pH, hardness, and salinity are routinely analyzed, providing vital insights to the community while generating income for the university. These public-focused services are transparently managed, with all payments remitted through the university’s finance system. In addition to public services, the laboratory is a key resource for academic research. It supports postgraduate dissertations, summer internships, and research projects in fields such as Analytical Chemistry, Pure Chemistry, Environmental Science, and Chemical Oceanography. M.F.Sc students and postdoctoral fellows from KUFOS benefit from this facility, which also attracts external scholars seeking expertise in environmental analysis. The lab’s internship programs, which include month-long structured training modules priced at ₹10,000 plus GST per student, have proven effective in both skill development and revenue generation.
The laboratory also fosters collaborative research through its association with the KUFOS-INCOIS Centre, a joint initiative with the Indian National Centre for Ocean Information and Services(INCOIS), Hyderabad. Through projects such as coastal monitoring in the Southeastern Arabian Sea and buoy management for ocean forecasting, the lab has contributed significantly to advancing marine science. These collaborations have not only generated overhead income for the university but have also provided hands-on research opportunities for students. Four Master’s dissertations have been completed under INCOIS-funded projects, reflecting the lab’s active role in nurturing academic excellence.
Led by Dr. Anu Gopinath, the Soil and Water Analysis Laboratory continues to be a cornerstone of scientific and community-driven endeavors at KUFOS. By offering critical analytical services, enabling groundbreaking research, and building collaborations, the lab exemplifies the integration of scientific expertise with real-world applications. Its contributions to aquaculture, environmental management, and public health reinforce its status as a premier facility in the region.
Thrust areas:
- Offering analytical services for aquaculture water and drinking water quality to farmers and the public.
- Facilitating academic research, postgraduate dissertations, and environmental pollution studies.
- Partnering with institutions like INCOIS for marine monitoring and coastal research.
- Providing internships and training programs for students in environmental and water quality analysis.
- Advancing studies in coastal ecosystems, ocean forecasting, and sustainable aquaculture practices.
Soil and Water Analysis Lab
Soil & Water chemistry Lab Charges