Nutrients Laboratory

Instrumentation

Use

Analysis

Lachat (QuikChem 8500) Flow Injection Ion Auto Analyzer, consisting of three discrete channels and an auto diluter

To determine the nitrogen, phosphorus, and silica series; to determine total phosphorus and nitrogen (using the inline UV persulfate digestion module); and to determine other project-specific ions (by altering the channel configuration and selecting appropriate wave lengths)

Bran+Luebbe (AA3) Flow Injection Auto Analyzer

To determine the nitrogen, phosphorus, and silica series

O.I. (1020A) Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analyzer, using high-temperature oxidation and nondispersive infrared detection

To analyze the carbon series in liquid matrix samples

O.I. Aurora Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Analyzer, using both high-temperature oxidation and UV persulfate digestion

To analyze the carbon series

Perkin-Elmer Carbon, Hydrogen and Nitrogen (CHN 2400) Analyzer, using high-temperature combustion and detection by thermal conductivity

To determine elemental carbon and nitrogen in solid samples, such as soil, ash, and filters

Dionex (DX500) Ion Chromatograph, equipped with an auto sampler and specific analytical columns

To determine anions, cations, organic acids, and the speciation of elements

Turner Fluorometer

To determine chlorophyll and pheophytin, as an indicator of biomass

Hach (UV/VIS) Spectrophotometer with multiple-size flow cells

To conduct special studies

Sample Preparation

Temperature-monitored walk-in refrigeration room

To store samples

Vented autoclave

To digest water samples for phosphorus and nitrogen studies

3 temperature-controlled incubators

To determine biological oxygen demand (BOD)

Filter apparatus for dissolved and particulate fractions, along with muffle furnace and drying oven

To process samples