Purposes: The Biogeochemisty and Groundwater Analysis Laboratory was established with funding from the National Science Foundation to facilitate interdisciplinary research in aquatic and groundwater systems.
Faculty, staff and students utilize chemical and stable isotope measurements obtained in the laboratory to investigate processes and interactions that take place at the interface of biology, geology and hydrology.
Services: The primary objective of the laboratory is to conduct original research in areas of environmental interest, but it is also available for collaborative research in other scientific disciplines and for contract analyses.
The laboratory is equipped to analyze bulk and trace element chemistry in soils, water and waste water samples, nutrient chemistry in natural waters and waste water, and the stable isotope composition of gases, liquids, solutions and solids for C, N, O, H and S.
Research Equipment:
Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometer
The Perkin-Elmer 4300DV is capable of analyzing over 72 elements simultaneously in either axial and radial viewing modes. It is used to measure bulk cation and trace element concentrations in aqueous solutions down to ppb levels. Concentrations in sediment and organic material can also be measured after digesting or combusting samples and bringing the residue into solution.
Elemental Analyzer / Isotope Ration Mass Spectrophotometer
ThermoFinnigan Delta Plus with Universal Triple Collector and a Costech Elemental Analyzer accesory. The Delta XL+ can routinely measure the ratios of 13C/12C, 15N/14N, 18O/16O, 2H/1H and 34S/32S. Using the EA, solid samples can be directly loaded, combusted and analyzed for all but oxygen (oxygen is added to combust samples) in continuous flow mode. Gas, liquid, aqueous and solid samples can also be prepared off line for injection through the Delta XL+?s dual inlet system.
Dionex Ion Chromatograph
Dionex DX 500 is used to measure cation or anion concentrations in aqueous solution. The IC is particularly useful for measuring the concentration of nutrients in water and waste water samples.
