Instrumentation

Analytical Instrumentation

 

Sample Preparation:
The EATS lab houses many analytical tools used in the preparation of samples for analytical analysis. These include: balances, muffle furnaces, digestion blocks, steam plates, and auto-diluters. The EATS lab also maintains a plant tissue grinding facility to assist research faculty, staff, and graduate students in sample preparation.

Instrumentation:

Latchat Quikchem 8500:
The Latchat QuikChem Flow Injection Analysis system enables high sample throughput and the ability to rapidly change methods. This instrument is routinely used to determine concentrations of ammonium-N, nitrate-N, nitrite-N, and total dissolved phosphate.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Schimadzu TOC/TON Analyzer:
The Schimadzu TOC/TON Analyzer is used for the determination of total dissolved nitrogen and total dissolved carbon in aqueous solutions. A second Schimadzu Analyzer can be adapted to analyze total carbon / total nitrogen / total phosphorus using a persulfate method.

Perkin Elmer 2400 CHNS Analyzer:
The Perkin Elmer 2400 is used to determine total elemental carbon, nitrogen, hydrogen, or sulfur by total combustion. The EATS lab routinely performs this analysis on soil and plant samples. Other sample types include, but not limited to: paper, plant oils, forest biomaterials, lignin, enzymes, fibers, compost, polymers, proteins, and food products.

Perkin Elmer 8000 Inductively-coupled plasma-Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES):
The Perkin Elmer 8000 ICP-OES is used to determine elemental concentrations in a wide range of aqueous solution and acid digestate samples. This state-of-the art spectrometer features multi-element capability, Flat PlateTM plasma technology, an advanced optical system, and a custom-designed solid-state CCD array detector.

Perkin Elmer Elan DRCII Inductively-coupled plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS):
The Perkin Elmer ElanII ICP-MS is used to determine trace elemental concentrations in a wide range of aqueous solution and acid digestate samples. This state-of-the art spectrometer features multi-element capability, a Dynamic Reaction Cell, and performance enhancing Axial Field Technology.  These technologies provide superior interference reduction and excellent signal-to-background rations effectively reducing detection limits.

Training

Graduate students can be trained to use the following EATS equipment: balances, muffle furnaces, digestion blocks, and the Latchat 8500. Users are expected to receive and follow instructions for instrument operation and lab safety. Users are expected to supply their own reagents and standards, and pay a nominal user’s fee.