Analytical resources in Geochemistry

Gas and Liquid Chromatography

Gas Chromatography – Mass Spectrometry
GCMS | Mass Spectrometry/Flame Ionization Detector (FID) for analysis of natural organic compounds

Instrument: Shimadzu GCMS-QP2010 Ultra, equipped with FID detector, AOC20i auto injector and deans switching device.
Gas chromatography mass spectrometry is used in our geochemistry lab for the identification of natural organic compounds, or lipid biomarkers. Samples types commonly analysed (but not restricted to) are rock, sediments, water filters, oils and residues. Often samples have highly complex matrices and the quantity of the target analyte is low.
The switching device can be used to divide the analyte to either one of the two detectors, or both; or to perform 'heart cut', i.e. separation of a part of the first chromatogram on a second column of different polarityHeart cutting (‘cutting’ a section of the sample from the FID analysis and sending it to the MS).
The GCMS-QP2010 Ultra has the ability to scan at 20,000 u/sec which allows for Fast GC runs and is supported by its high capacity turbomolecular pump.

For further information please contact: Rienk Smittenberg, rienk.smittenberg@geo.su.se
Gas Chromatography for methane gas and nitrous oxide gas analysis
Instrument: Shimadzu GC8A Gas Chromatograph
The Shimadzu GC8A is a basic but reliable gas chromatograph supporting a flame ionization detector, manual pressure or flow control, an on column injection port and analog output. This system is used for the detection and quantification of methane.

For further information please contact: Volker Brüchert, volker.bruchert@geo.su.se
Photometer for trace gas analysis
Instrument: Peak Laboratories Peak Performer 1 equiped with a reducing compound photometer (RCP)
The PP1 (model 910-100) with a HgO based RCP is a gas chromatograph optimized to measure trace amounts of molecular hydrogen (H2) and carbon monoxide (CO) in air or other inert gases. Standard detection limits are 800 ppt H2 and 300 ppt CO.

For further information please contact: Volker Brüchert, volker.bruchert@geo.su.se
High Performance Liquid Chromatography Mass Spectrometry
HPLC MS/MS | Triple quadrupole Mass Spectrometry/Diode Array Detection/Fraction collection for trace analysis of organic compounds
Instrument: Thermo Scientific TSQ Quantum Access MAX Triple Stage Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (MS/MS), with ESI and APCI ion sources; Ultimate 3000RS Fast Gradient binary Ultra High Pressure Pump, Low gradient quaternary High Pressure Pump, Auto sampler, Column Compartment, Diode Array Detector; Dionex Ultimate 3000 Fraction Collector and splitting device.
High performance liquid chromatography triple stage quadrupole mass spectrometry is applied for the analysis of a diverse range of organic compounds in microbiological, environmental and geological samples.

For further information please contact: Rienk Smittenberg, rienk.smittenberg@geo.su.se
High Performance Liquid Chromatography Diode Array
Instrument: Waters HPLC Integrity system
High performance liquid chromatograph, Waters Integrity System with separation module (model 2690: autosampler, pump and column oven), PDA (Photo Diode Array Detector, model 996). Analysis of cations and anions in aqueous samples.

For further information please contact: Volker Brüchert, volker.bruchert@geo.su.se

Inorganic Extraction and Analysis

Extraction and Digestion
Single chamber microwave for the extraction or digestion of geological samples
Instrument: Milestone Ultrawave
This microwave system allows extraction – with organic solvent, or digestion – with strong acids, of rock, sediment, soil or any other samples, by placing the samples inside a microwave chamber that is pressurized to avoid boiling of the solvents. The system allows pressures up to 190 bar and temperatures up to 300˚C.

For information and booking contact: Rienk Smittenberg, rienk.smittenberg@geo.su.se
Metrohm – Titrando 809
See metrohm page for more specifications

pH electrode: Metrohm 6.0262.100
Stirring: 802 unit
Dosing unit: 20ml with minimum addition 2µm
Cell: Up to 100 ml, possible to isolate atmosphere, possible to warm/cool with fluid circulation
Software: tiamo 2.1

Contact information: Volker Brüchert, volker.bruchert@geo.su.se
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
Instrument: Thermo Scientific Evolution 260 Bio UV-Vis spectrophotometer.
In our lab we use spectrophotometery for the analysis and quantification of iron, phosphate, nitrate and organic carbon in seawater. The spectrophotometer analyses in both the UV and visible light ranges and is capable of both single point and scanning analysis. Additionally there is an 8 samples autosampler and place for cuvettes ranging in sizes from 1.5 to 5 ml.

For further information please contact: Volker Brüchert, volker.bruchert@geo.su.se

Laser spectrometry

Greenhouse gas analyzer (Cavity Ring Down Spectrometer)
Instrument: Los Gatos Research Greenhouse DLT-100 GGA gas analyser.
For simultaneous gas phase measurements of CH4, CO2, H2O.

For information and booking contact: Volker Brüchert, volker.bruchert@geo.su.se
Fast Greenhouse gas analyzer (Cavity Ring Down Spectrometer)
Instrument: Los Gatos Research Fast Greenhouse gas analyser FGGA-24r-EP for rapid (0.1 Hz) simultaneous gas phase measurements of CH4, CO2 and H2O.

For information and booking contact: Volker Brüchert, volker.bruchert@geo.su.se
Aerodyne Research QC-TILDAS
Instrument: Aerodyne Research Quantum Cascade Tunable Infrared Laser Differential Absorption Spectroscopy.
Dual laser for simultaeous gas phase measurement of dual isotopologues (13CH4-CH3D) of ambient methane.

For information and booking contact: Volker Brüchert, volker.bruchert@geo.su.se

Organic Extraction and Analysis

Extraction and Digestion
Single chamber microwave for the extraction or digestion of geological samples
Instrument: Milestone Ultrawave
This microwave system allows extraction – with organic solvent, or digestion – with strong acids, of rock, sediment, soil or any other samples, by placing the samples inside a microwave chamber that is pressurized to avoid boiling of the solvents. The system allows pressures up to 190 bar and temperatures up to 300˚C.

For information and booking contact: Rienk Smittenberg, rienk.smittenberg@geo.su.se
Total Carbon Analysis
Instrument: Shimadzu TOC-5000 analyzer
The Shimadzu TOC-5000 analyzer is coupled to a Shimadzu solid sample module SSM-5000A and an ASI-5000 sampler. It is used for determining total carbon, total organic carbon and inorganic carbon in solid samples, aqueous samples, including soil, sludge and sediments.

For information and booking contact: Volker Brüchert, volker.bruchert@geo.su.se

Radioactive tracing

Liquid scintillation analyzer for beta-radiation detection
Instrument: Packard.
Liquid scintillation analyzer is used for measuring radiation from beta emitting nuclides. Sediment and water samples are mixed with a “cocktail” containing an aromatic solvent and flours (scintillators). Each beta particle emitted from the sample transfers energy to the solvent molecules and in turn to the flours, which dissipate the energy via a pulse of light. The pulses are counted via two photomultiplier tubes in a coincidence circuit.

For further information please contact: Volker Brüchert, volker.bruchert@geo.su.se

Last updated: December 1, 2021

Source: Institutionen för geologiska vetenskaper