Isotope Hydrology Laboratory
Over 25 years of experience in isotopic water analysis, contributing to the knowledge and sustainable management of water resources in Mexico and Latin America.
Our Mission
To expand technical capacity for comprehensive water resource assessments, integrating the use of isotope hydrology to improve knowledge about the availability, sustainability, and vulnerability of water resources, in support of the Sustainable Development Goals.
Our Vision
To be the reference laboratory in Latin America for isotopic characterization of water, contributing to the incorporation of isotopes along with other scientific disciplines in national water resource assessments, through the IWAVE methodology promoted by the IAEA.
What Defines Us
Scientific Excellence
We apply the highest standards in our analyses and methodologies.
Certified Quality
Our results are validated through international intercomparison exercises.
Global Collaboration
We work with international organizations and universities worldwide.
Continuous Innovation
We constantly update our infrastructure and methodologies.
State-of-the-Art Equipment
We have instrumental facilities and methodologies for measuring the isotopic composition of water using laser spectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and liquid scintillation counting.
Main Laboratory
Electrolytic Enrichment
Analysis EquipmentPicarro L2110-i
Cavity Ringdown Spectrometer for stable isotope analysis of H and O in water
Los Gatos Research LWIA-45EP
High-precision laser analyzer with vaporizer for water isotopes
Packard 2560TR/XL
High-sensitivity liquid scintillation counter for environmental tritium
Quantulus GCT 6220
Ultra-low level activity counter for tritium and carbon-14
Analytical Precision
Our results are reported with the associated experimental error, ensuring maximum quality and traceability of data.
Maximum deviation for δ¹⁸O (Oxygen-18)
Maximum deviation for δ²H (Deuterium)
Internationally Validated Quality
Our methodologies have been qualified through intercomparison exercises organized by the IAEA.
IC-LAC-2018
IAEAIntercomparison exercise for Latin American laboratories
IC-LAC-2022
IAEAQuality certification in isotopic analysis
TRIC2018
IAEATritium in water intercomparison
TRIC2022
IAEAValidation of environmental tritium methodologies
Laboratory Trajectory
Laboratory Foundation
Establishment of the LHI as part of IMTA for hydrological studies in Mexico.
Capacity Expansion
Incorporation of new equipment and methodologies for isotopic analysis.
International Collaboration
Initiation of regional projects with the IAEA and Latin American countries.
Modernization and IWAVE
Participation in RLA7024 project and application of the IWAVE methodology.
RLA7024 Project with IAEA
Mexico participates as a pilot country in the regional project RLA7024 "Integration of isotope hydrology in national water resource assessments", contributing substantially to the incorporation of isotopes in water resource assessments.
- Application of the IWAVE methodology
- Support for Sustainable Development Goals (SDG 6)
- Collaboration with Latin American countries
Participating countries
Years of experience
Collaborating institutions
Annual samples
Interested in collaborating with us?
Whether for analysis services, research projects, or training, we are here to help you.