The analytical chemistry lab at the University of Michigan Biological Station (in Pellston, Michigan) performs a wide variety of analyses of soil, water, and air samples. Using state of the art equipment, we process samples for our researchers, students, and the public (U-M and non-U-M clients). Notably, we operate the only stable isotope lab in the northern lower peninsula.
Services Offered
- Sample Processing
- Chemical Safety Training course
- Equipment training
- Soil, water, air sample analysis
For current rates or for questions regarding our laboratory capabilities, detection limits, or methodology, contact:
Helen Habicht: 231-539-8407, habicht@umich.edu
Available Equipment
Autoananalyzers
We have a pair of segmented flow analyzers routinely used for determining nutrients in water and soil extracts. A variety of other automated and semi-automated colorimetric assays (e.g., total phenolics, enzyme activity) may be automated on these instruments as well.
Ion Chromatograph
Our Dionex high-performance ion chromatograph utilizes sub-4 µm particle size columns to provide efficient separations and ppb-level detection limits of major anions, short chain fatty acids, and cations in aqueous samples. Detection is by conductivity and UV-Vis.
ICP/MS
Our lab is equipped with a Perkin-Elmer ELAN DRC-e ICP/MS which may be operated in standard mode, or with a dynamic reaction cell. This instrument allows for the determination of metals, metalloids, and their isotopes in aqueous or digested samples down to ppt concentrations.
Direct Mercury Analyzer
Our Millenium DMA-80 is used to quantitate total mercury in solid samples to exceedingly low concentrations (ng/kg).
IR Mass Spectrometer
Stable isotopes of carbon, nitrogen, oxygen, and hydrogen are determined on a Finnigan Delta V mass spectrometer. Samples can be introduced through an elemental analyzer, Gas Bench, GC/MS, or TOC analyzer.
CHN
When stable isotopes are not required, our three elemental analyzers can be run as standalone instruments to provide CHN and CN-OH analyses.
TOC Analyzer
When not coupled to the mass spec, the OI Analytical TOC analyzer is routinely used for determining total inorganic- and organic carbon in environmental samples.
GC/MS
We use a Thermo Trace 1310 gas chromatograph equipped with a both a SSL inlet and a combination purge and trap, dynamic headspace, and thermal desorption frontend. A Thermo ISQ-LT single quadrupole mass spec provides quantitative and qualitative analyses of volatiles and semivolatiles. Both the SSL and the PT/TD frontend can be used for compound-specific isotopic analysis with unambiguous compound ID (irm-GC/MS).
HPLC
We offer both preparative and analytical HPLC capabilities with UV-Vis and refractive index detection.
LC/MS
We have both single- and triple-quadrupole LC/MS capabilities for the determination of small molecules (m/z 10-3000).
