ERASMUS+ TRAINEESHIP AT THE SPANISH NATIONAL RESEARCH COUNCIL IN BARCELONA

Erasmus+ traineeship at the Spanish National Research Council in Barcelona

From January 26th to March 25th, I completed an internship at the Spanish National Research Council (CSIC), specifically at the Institute of Environmental Assessment and Water Research (IDAEA) in Barcelona, within the Department of Environmental Chemistry.

During my internship, I was introduced to a wide range of laboratory techniques and research methodologies used in environmental analysis. I actively participated in fieldwork, assisting with seawater sampling in the Port of Barcelona, which provided valuable insight into real-world environmental monitoring practices. In the laboratory, I gained hands-on experience in gas chromatography (GC) analysis of water samples, including sample preparation and instrumental operation.

In addition, I had the opportunity to observe cell culture–based toxicological assays used to evaluate the effects of emerging contaminants. This helped me understand how chemical analysis is complemented by biological testing in environmental risk assessment.

The main focus of my internship project was the study of cyanuric acid, an emerging contaminant commonly found in environmental waters due to leaching from swimming pools. My work involved developing and optimizing experimental procedures for the extraction, degradation, and analysis of cyanuric acid in water samples. This included optimizing laboratory protocols to improve analytical performance and reliability.

Overall, this internship provided valuable multidisciplinary experience in field sampling, analytical chemistry, and environmental toxicology, while enhancing my laboratory skills and understanding of research workflows in an international environment.

I would like to thank my workgroup for their support throughout my internship.

---

Lara Ropič Bizjak, Ecotechnologies

Back to all news