The CEAB
Facilities
Chemical analysis laboratory
The CEAB boasts various laboratories equipped with the necessary instruments to work with both organic and inorganic compounds. They feature unique technical equipment such as the Acquity Ultra Performance LC chromatography system (Waters Corporation), currently implemented to perform analyses of fat-soluble organic pigments from different sources: water column samples, biofilms and sediments. Other equipment worth highlighting includes the Mastersizer 2000 laser diffraction particle size analyser (Malvern), used to identify the texture of both marine and terrestrial soils, and the MARSX microwave-accelerated acid digestion system (Jenk), for extractions of solids (sediments, plants, etc.) for the subsequent analysis of heavy metals, phosphates and others. The analytical chemistry service is located in one of these laboratories.
Molecular ecology and genetics laboratory
This lab supports projects that require the use of molecular techniques. The procedures carried out range from the amplification and sequencing of gene partitions for biodiversity and phylogeny studies, to cloning, metabarcoding, genomics, metagenomics and proteinomics in both microorganisms and macroorganisms. The lab contains several different spaces: a general laboratory, a refrigerated PCR area, an electrophoresis and gel documentation area, a cytotoxic laboratory and RNAase-free area, and a clean room (Clean DNA Lab), in addition to the necessary equipment for the techniques employed. The lab has an internal DNA analysis service in which the basic preparations are carried out for sequencing and subsequent sequence analysis.
Organism identification laboratory
Most studies require the classification and prior processing of samples, which entails the separation of organisms from the sediment or water and their identification. The separation of organisms, in most cases fixed with formalin, is carried out using binocular magnifying glasses. Identification is then carried out, for which microscopes are usually necessary. At the CEAB there are four spaces directly related to these tasks: a sample storage area with formaldehyde, a sample washing area (with proper ventilation for the elimination of the preservative) and two areas for the processing and identification of samples by means of binocular magnifiers and microscopes. The lab has the following specific equipment: 14 binocular magnifying glasses, four microscopes (two of them with a clear chamber), a precision scale, a mobile gas extractor hood, and a mechanical sieve.
Microscopy
The laboratory includes all the necessary equipment for medium- and high-magnification optical microscopy with digital image capture. The instruments allow the user to observe samples of organisms or tissues that may require sophisticated instrumental techniques with epifluorescence (bacteria and other stained tissues) or phase contrast (small transparent organisms). The laboratory contains two rooms: the first room is equipped with binocular magnifying glasses and Axioplan Zeiss, Nikon SMZ 1000, Motic BA 210 and Olympus IMT-2 microscopes (all connected to digital cameras and their corresponding computers); the second room, shared with the electron microscopy service, has a computer-controlled and fully automatic AXIO Imager Z1 (Zeiss) microscope (equipped with epifluorescence and digital camera).
Diving station
The diving facilities, next to the main buildings of the CEAB, consist of a changing room (which includes individual shower cubicles and a storage area for diving equipment), a compressed air cylinder charging station (separate compartment equipped with a fixed compressor at 200 bar), two portable compressors, and immersion bottles of different capacities (volumes from 6 litres to 18 litres). Furthermore, before entering the changing room, there is an area for cleaning, rinsing and drying the diving equipment.
Nautical service
We have our own rigid and semi-rigid boats, with moorings in the ports of Blanes and Estartit. These boats are made available – with or without skipper – to the centre’s researchers, as well as to associated research staff. In addition, at the CEAB headquarters we have inflatable boats (3 to 4.5 metres long) and transportation trailers, which are also used for observation, diving and sampling tasks.
Function room and meeting rooms
The centre has an auditorium/function room with a capacity for 160 people, equipped with projection and public address systems, as well as equipment for the online broadcasting and recording of the events that take place. It also has multipurpose rooms, suitable for meetings, training sessions or video conferences. In addition to these spaces, the CEAB has numerous work and/or meeting areas, such as the terrace, the cloister or the library.
