Feb 2010 - A new passive sample calibration facility is now available at the NLS laboratory in Llanelli, Wales.

With the current rise in the use of passive sampling devices, the NLS has recently equipped itself with a custom-made multipurpose calibration rig. The system is able to support the calibration of multiple devices such as semipermeable membrane devices (SPMD) or single phase polymeric membranes for hydrophobic compounds, and the Polar Organic Chemical Integrative sampler (POCIS) or Chemcatcher for the more polar analytes.

Feb 2010 - The NLS has launched the second "interactive" phase of our website www.natlabs.co.uk, which promises to provide visitors with a much anticipated "enhanced user experience". The site has been redeveloped to be more user-friendly, and includes a new menu structure and functions to help with accessibility, in response to demands from the growing NLS customer base.

The new features include a "My NLS" section, which allows customers to log in to their profile on the site, giving them access to their own analysis through the laboratory and an online report library from which they can download their personal reports.

Feb 2010 - The NLS is set to announce the launch of its Water Framework Directive (WFD) related technical support service for European Laboratories, Consultants and Water Industry at the Integrated River Basin Management conference in Lille, France on the 26-28 April. More details will follow nearer the conference date.

This conference will review technical challenges faced by Member States, stakeholder organisations and scientists, while developing the first River Basin Management Plan under the WFD.