The Department of Geography & Earth Sciences has well-equipped laboratories for research in hydrogeology, hydrogeochemistry, and environmental isotopes. The capabilities that I use most often in my research are listed below. All of these lab capabilities are available for collaboration.
Picarro G2201-i isotope analyzer: Provides rapid and precise analysis of concentrations and carbon isotope ratios of methane and carbon dioxide. The Picarro Liaison peripheral and AutoMate Prep Station allow automated extraction of dissolved inorganic carbon from water samples for rapid analysis of δ13C-DIC.
- carbon-13/carbon-12 isotope ratio of methane (δ13C)
- carbon-13/carbon-12 isotope ratio of carbon dioxide (δ13C)
- carbon-13/carbon-12 isotope ratio of dissolved inorganic carbon (δ13C)
LGR water isotope analyzer: Provides automated analysis of δ2H and δ18O ratios in liquid water samples.
- oxygen-18/oxygen-16 and deuterium/hydrogen isotope ratios of liquid water (δ18O and δD)
Dionex DX-500 ion chromatograph: This versatile instrument is configured for anion analysis of water samples. Current methods include:
- Major anion concentrations of natural water samples (fluoride, chloride, nitrite, bromide, nitrate, phosphate, sulfate) using a bicarbonate-carbonate eluent
- Low-level acetate concentrations analyzed in undiluted fresh and saline groundwater samples
SRI gas chromatograph: The packed-column gas chromatograph has thermal conductivity detector and flame ionization detector in series. This configuration allows us to analyze methane and CO2 concentrations from the parts per million range up to 100%. A 1 mL sample loop enables consistent syringe injections of gas samples.
Sample preparation facilities include laminar flow hood with HEPA filters for trace metal preparation, freeze-dryer with 1.5 liter coil capacity, vacuum oven, and drying oven.
Other available capabilities are housed in the Hydrology and Biogeochemical Laboratory, including:
- Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer for trace element analysis
- Atomic absorption spectrometer for major element analysis
- Total organic carbon analyzer