Department of Biological Sciences

Analyses of ammonia, phosphate, nitrate/nitrite, in water samples, using Flow Injection Analysis (FIA). Please email Bruce Patty or phone +64 7 838 4466 extension 6473 for further details and pricing.

The HEMOX ANALYZER is an automatic system for the recording of blood oxygen equilibrium curves and related phenomena. Please email Associate Professor Nick Ling or phone +64 7 8384466 extension 6039 for further details and pricing.

Systems for fish survey work in all fresh waters. Fully certified operators. Including:

• Boat, 3.5 meter custom built. Only one of its type operating in New Zealand.
• Generator, two electrode stream survey method.
• Back Pack, single electrode stream survey method.

Please email Dudley Bell or Associate Professor Brendan Hicks or phone +64 7 838 4104 for further details and pricing.

Boats; 6 meter and 3.8 meter, Fully Certified Skipper, nets, traps for sampling fish and plankton.  Range of water quality meters, plus CTD, Biofish. Please email Dudley Bell or Warrick Powrie or else phone +64 7 838 4104 for further details and pricing.

The Waikato Stable Isotope Unit (WSIU) offers precision analyses of isotopes of carbon and nitrogen in biological, geological, and chemical materials by isotope ratio mass spectrometry. Isotopic abundance analysis is carried out on two fully automated Europa Scientific 20/20 isotope analysers. Materials may be submitted as solids, liquids, or gases, for example, for breath analyses. Precision analyses of carbon and nitrogen content in solid or liquid samples are also provided with a LECO TruSpec Carbon/Nitrogen Determinator fitted with an autosampler for liquids.

The WSIU provides commercial analyses and also services the needs of scientists at the University of Waikato and their collaborators, promoting the use of stable isotopes in all branches of research. The unit operates under the Department of Biological Sciences and the staff are highly experienced in the use of stable isotopes, both natural abundance and enriched tracers, particularly in biological and environmental research. In 2006 the WSIU was accredited by the International Atomic Energy Agency for analyses of carbon (C) and nitrogen (N) content and isotopes 13C and 15N in plant materials.

Stable Isotope Geochemistry at the University of Waikato is carried out in a separate facility within the Department of Earth and Ocean Sciences. Measurements of stable oxygen and carbon isotope ratios in carbonates are made with an automated Europa Scientific Penta 20/20 isotope ratio mass spectrometer with CAPS preparation system. Determinations on prepared CO2 can also be performed.

Founded in 1972, the University of Waikato Herbarium (WAIK)  is located on the first floor of D Block, Room D.1.14, in the Faculty of Science & Engineering, Hillcrest Road, Hamilton). The herbarium is staffed and maintained by the Centre for Biodiversity and Ecology Research (CBER). It is housed in a temperature controlled room and is a PC1 containment facility. WAIK services requirements for systematic botanical research and identification of plants for the University, education of University of Waikato students, other government and public organisations, and individuals. It functions to serve as a repository for voucher specimens, with a focus on the plants of the greater Waikato. Inquire for costs of specialist taxonomic services.

The Waikato Biological Imaging Facility offers a broad range of microscopy and photography services. A comprehensive platform for confocal laser scanning microscopy including spectral deconvolution, live-cell imaging and powerful post-processing software for analysis and 3D reconstruction. Services include:

• Conventional photomicroscopy including epi-fluorescence and all transmitted light modes.
• High resolution still, time-lapse and video imaging.
• Extended depth-of-field imaging using AutoMontage.
• Photomacrography, close-up and general technical photography.

Email us for more information.

More information about Microscopy@Waikato

The Waikato DNA Sequencing Unit offers molecular biology core services based on the LifeTech 3130xl Genetic Analyser, Roche GS Junior and LifeTech Ion Torrent PGM systems, providing sequencing and genotyping for researchers from single-stranded, double-stranded, PCR-derived, genomic and environmental DNA templates.

Incorporating marine and freshwater circulation systems in air conditioned rooms for maintenance of animal specimens including the 7.5 x 0.5 x 0.5m and 2 x 0.16 x 0.16m (LxWxD) recirculating flumes, digital video camera and recorder and a Sontek ADV velocity sensor. Please email Associate Professor Conrad Pilditch or phone +64 7 838 4466 extension 6132 for further details and pricing.