NILU takes samples from the soil, sediments and sludge. These different sample types contain widely varying concentration levels and an extensive range of contaminants and metals.
NILU has many years of experience in the analysis of these kinds of samples. The institute also participates in a number of projects that monitor and map the coast, fjords and inland lakes, and also conducts a variety of analyses of sewage sludge. These analyses are especially important because they may detect "new" compounds in the samples.
NILU participates annually in comparative laboratory tests for selected components to verify the quality of its analyses.