Freshwater and marine ecosystems 

Eurofins AquaSense specialises in ecological monitoring of freshwater, marine and estuarine ecosystems, both in aquatic environments and along their shorelines. We support monitoring projects from initial study design to data delivery and reporting, providing valuable insights into the quality of the ecosystems and the effects of human activities. We are also able to provide before and after impact analyses and monitoring for specific projects, such as within the scope of wind park construction or dredging.

Our multidisciplinary team combines field surveys, laboratory analyses, project coordination and data analysis, offering a single point of contact throughout the project. This ensures efficient project execution, consistent quality and results that support management and policy objectives.

Macroinvertebrates

In all aquatic habitats, small invertebrates, or macro-invertebrates, are a vital part of the living environment. The composition of macro-invertebrates communities demonstrates 

valuable insights into the health and stability of an ecosystem, making this group a key indicator in the assessment of surface water quality.

Eurofins AquaSense collects and identifies macro‑invertebrates to species level and quantifies their abundance, diversity and biomass within the study area. These parameters provide reliable insight into the condition and quality of an ecosystem. Since 2009, we have been accredited in accordance with NEN-EN-ISO/IEC 17025 for the sampling and analysis of freshwater macro-invertebrates, and since 2010 for marine macro-invertebrates. Eurofins AquaSense has one of the largest teams of taxonomic specialists and ecologists in the field of seabed research in salt and brackish water in the Netherlands.

In addition to monitoring and reporting, we also provide training courses in species identification for various ecological groups in collaboration with renowned European expects.

For more information on courses and general enquiries, please contact Aquasense.info@etbnl.eurofins.com 

Swimming water quality and safety

Clean and safe swimming water is essential for public health and recreational use. Eurofins AquaSense supports authorities and site managers by assessing whether swimming waters are free from harmful cyanobacteria (blue‑green algae) and fecal indicator bacteria.

Swimming water samples are analysed promptly to ensure the results are as up to date with current water conditions as possible, and to therefore ensure the most accurate reporting. This provides reliable insight into swimming water safety, supporting compliance with swimming water regulations, as well as timely management decisions during the swimming season, such as potential safety measures and public communication.  

For more information, please contact us at Aquasense.info@etbnl.eurofins.com 

Species‑specific analysis (qPCR)

Species‑specific qPCR targets a single species using a unique DNA marker. This highly sensitive method is particularly suitable when the target species is known and reliable detection is essential, even at low abundances.

Examples:

• Non-aquatic related analysis such as detecting bats in cavity walls 
• Protected species, such as weatherfish (Misgurnus fossilis), garlic toad (Pelobates fuscus) and great crested newt (Triturus cristatus)
• Many other species of interest

Species group analysis (metabarcoding)

Metabarcoding uses DNA markers located in conserved genes shared by many organisms, allowing the simultaneous detection of multiple species within a taxonomic group. This approach is well suited for biodiversity assessments and large‑scale monitoring. Examples of species groups are amphibians, bats, macrozoobenthos and marine fish communities.

An accredited laboratory equipped to perform both qPCR and metabarcoding analyses is available to ensure robust and high quality eDNA results for ecological research and monitoring.

For more information, please contact Aquasense.info@etbnl.eurofins.com 

Specialist sampling in aquatic environments

The specialists at Eurofins AquaSense are experienced in carrying out advanced and specialist ecological surveys and chemical sampling. We collaborate with our clients to develop new and innovative approaches to monitoring, research and ecological consultancy.

By combining specialist sampling techniques with other field activities wherever possible, Eurofins AquaSense supports efficient and cost‑effective project execution.

For more information, please contact Aquasense.info@etbnl.eurofins.com.

We assist clients in complying with European frameworks such as the Water Framework Directive (WFD), the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD) and Natura 2000.

If your question is not listed but has an ecological component, we are happy to explore a suitable approach together. By combining fieldwork and sampling activities wherever possible, we help ensure efficient and cost‑effective monitoring programmes.

For more information about our consultancy services, please contact
Aquasense.info@etbnl.eurofins.com