Technology


Is IoT the operational backbone of the modern environmental laboratory? Talking Point


Heading Copy


Regulatory reporting cycles are tightening, sample volumes are increasing, and expectations around data integrity, traceability, and turnaround times continue to rise.


xxxxx@reply-direct.com


Against this backdrop, the Internet of Things (IoT) is moving from a peripheral technology to a core operational layer within laboratory environments. At its simplest, IoT refers to networks of connected instruments, sensors, and devices that can automatically collect, transmit, and respond to data.


In environmental laboratories, this connectivity underpins what is increasingly described as the “smart lab”: a facility where instruments, infrastructure, and information systems operate as a coordinated whole rather than as isolated assets.


From isolated instruments to connected systems


Traditionally, many environmental labs have relied on fragmented workflows.


Instruments generate data locally, results are manually transferred into spreadsheets or laboratory information management systems (LIMS), and environmental conditions such as temperature, humidity, or power stability are often monitored separately, if at all.


IoT architectures aim to collapse these silos. Analytical instruments, autosamplers, balances, incubators, freezers, air quality monitors, and even building systems can be connected through secure networks to provide continuous, machine-readable data streams.


For environmental monitoring professionals, this


means greater visibility across the full analytical chain, from sample receipt to data reporting.


The benefits are practical rather than abstract.


Automated data capture reduces transcription errors. Continuous equipment monitoring allows deviations to be identified early, before they compromise results. Instrument utilisation and downtime become measurable rather than anecdotal, supporting better maintenance planning and capital investment decisions.


Real-world applications in environmental monitoring labs


In environmental testing laboratories, IoT is already being applied in several operationally significant ways.


Remote monitoring of critical storage conditions is one of the most common examples.


Freezers and cold rooms holding reference materials, reagents, or archived samples can be continuously tracked, with automated alerts triggered when thresholds are breached. This reduces the risk of unnoticed failures outside working hours.


Instrument health monitoring is another growing use case. Sensors embedded within or attached to analysers can track parameters such as vibration, temperature drift, reagent consumption, or lamp intensity.


Over time, these data support predictive maintenance approaches, helping labs move away from rigid service schedules towards condition-based maintenance that better reflects real usage.


IoT is also increasingly relevant for field-to- lab integration. Environmental monitoring programmes often involve distributed sampling locations, mobile sensors, or remote monitoring stations.


Connecting these assets directly into laboratory data systems shortens reporting timelines and improves traceability between field conditions and laboratory results.


Implementation challenges and practical considerations


Despite its promise, implementing IoT in an environmental laboratory is not without challenges.


Integration with legacy instruments is a common barrier, particularly where older equipment lacks native connectivity. In such cases, external sensors or middleware platforms may be required, adding complexity.


Data security and governance are also central concerns. Environmental monitoring data often underpin regulatory compliance, legal reporting, or public health decisions.


IoT deployments must therefore be designed with secure data transmission, access controls, and auditability from the outset, rather than treated as an afterthought.


Equally important is staff engagement. IoT changes how laboratories operate, shifting some tasks from manual oversight to automated systems.


Successful implementations typically involve clear communication about what is being monitored, why data are being collected, and how insights will be used, rather than presenting IoT as a purely technical upgrade.


Read the full article online: ilmt.co/TL/9O7D


PFAS Analysis


Microwave assisted extraction for PFAS analysis - new application note


Many laboratories measure PFAS in a variety of different matrices where the sample preparation stage can often be the time limiting step that can take up to 80% of the total analysis time. An alternative method that is currently widely used for sample preparation for organic pollutant analysis is Microwave Assisted Extraction (MAE) that can now be employed for PFAS samples using a new rotor specifically developed for this application.


Using the Milestone EthosX MAE system from Analytix coupled with the 44-place rotor provides an EPA 1633 compliant solution and offers high throughput with PFAS free disposable vials that eliminates any cleaning stage. The samples are kept in the same vial throughout the process thereby minimising contamination, eliminating possible carryover, and reducing sample extraction time by 70%.


Advanced sensors in the EthosX MAE system deliver precise temperature control throughout the extraction process with uniform conditions across all positions that guarantees


consistent and reproducible results with excellent recoveries vs. alternative techniques.


The new application note describes the full procedure for extraction with sample preparation stages and the microwave system method. For a copy of the application note or for further information please contact Analytix.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/Z1lb 65667@reply-direct.com


Environmental Laboratory


Proven versatility for reliable impurity detection - confidence built in


In a demanding world industry, precision and uptime are everything. The CI Analytics 9710 Process Analyser provides dependable impurity detection performance that operators can trust day after day. Designed for versatility, it adapts easily to a wide range of applications, detecting up to 11 impurities (one at a time) while monitoring up to four streams.


Powered by ciSmart™ software, the 9710 combines automation, digital flow control, and seamless data management to simplify every step of the analytical process. Built for hazardous locations, it meets ATEX Zone 1 & 2 and Class I, Div. 1 & 2 (Groups B, C, D) standards and includes NEMA 4X/IP66 enclosure for long-term reliability in harsh field environments. Its compact, wall-mount capable design and multi-protocol connectivity make integration effortless, while its robust construction minimises maintenance and downtime.


Smart, efficient, and built to last, the CI Analytics 9710 remains the trusted choice for gas and LPG impurity detection at ultra-low levels, delivering proven results wherever precision and performance are essential.


More information online: ilmt.co/PL/qB9y 66260pr@reply-direct.com


46


IET - JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2026


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60