The Atomic and Mass Spectrometry research group at Ghent University (A&MS-UGent) is specialized in the development of methods for the determination, elemental speciation and isotopic analysis of (trace) metals and metalloids via ICP-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and the application of these methods in interdisciplinary contexts.

In the context of the Blue Life Sciences, A&MS-UGent has, e.g., developed methods for high-precision isotopic analysis of mercury (Hg) using multi-collector ICP-MS (MC-ICP-MS). This approach was relied on to evaluate the introduction of Hg from a point source (a WWII submarine wreck) into a marine food chain [1] and to unravel the origin of Hg in marine biota [2]. These projects were carried out in cooperation with the Norwegian National Institute for Nutrition and Seafood Safety NIFES. The approach was also employed in cooperation with the University of Aberdeen for Hg isotopic analysis in various tissues originating from stranded whales in an attempt to obtain a more profound insight into their Hg metabolism [3].