The Environmental Chemistry lab analyzes all the samples collected from our many monitoring sites. Please see the Monitoring Activities tab to learn more. In the lab, we focus on water and soil analyses to monitor and understand the dynamics of watersheds and their fresh water systems. Our goal is to improve water quality by encouraging conservation practices and protecting soils on the watershed's landscape.
The Discrete Analyzer is a machine capable of analyzing over 50 samples and multiple analyses in a single run using wet chemistry and spectrophotometry. It is our most heavily used piece of equipment. We currently perform the following analyses.
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The MAX Cube analyzes carbon and nitrogen in soil, sediment, and plant tissue samples. It uses Oxygen to combust the sample and Helium as a carrier gas. One of the great advantages to this machine is that it does not require a large sample to ensure accurate results and is capable of measuring over 50 samples during the same run.
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The TOC Select analyzes for carbon and nitrogen in both filtered and unfiltered samples through the use small stir plate that agitates the sample prior to injection into the combustion tube. Through different programs, we are able to perform the following analyses.
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