Equipment database BIOGRIP Node for Soil and Water Analysis

Location

CSIR, Jan Celliers Road, Stellenbosch​

​Ion Chromatography (IC) instrument

 

The Ion Chromatography instrument includes a Metrohm 858 Autosampler with 127 positions for sample introduction. It also offers options for inline auto dilution and ultrafiltration of samples prior to analysis. The anions are quantified using a Metrohm IC 930 compact IC Flex Oven/SeS/PP/Deg, which is equipped with a column oven, MSC and MSM module for sequential suppression, a peristaltic pump for suppressor regeneration and a built-in degasser. Detection and quantification of anions can be achieved using either a conductivity detector and/or an UV/VIS detector. The cation is analysed using a Metrohm IC 930 compact IC Flex Oven/Deg equipped with a column oven and a built-in degasser.  The cations are quantified using a Conductivity detector.

 

Function and purpose of the equipment

When a sample is injected in the system, the ions in the sample first separated on the columns by adhering to the stationary phase and the different ions elute at various times. The ions are measured using a conductivity detector. A calibration is prepared by measuring the conductivity response of known concentrations of ion standards. This technique can be used to quantify anions (Cl, F, Br, NO2, NO3, PO4, SO4) and Cations (Ca, Mg, Li, NH4, K, Na) in aqueous samples such as ground, surface, municipal, rain and seawater, soil extracts and effluent by implementing the calibration curve.

 

​O/H stable isotope analyser

 

Model and Name of Equipment

The Los Gatos GLA431-TLWIA is a Triple liquid water isotope analyser.  It is equipped with a PAL autosampler with 162 positions and a vaporizer module to introduce samples into the system. 

 

Function and purpose of the equipment

A standard or sample is injected in the system and the absorbance of the gas is measured.  The absorbance of standards containing different amounts of the stable isotopes is used to prepare a calibration curve which can be used to determine the stable isotope concentrations.  The instrument makes use of Off-Axis integrated cavity output spectroscopy (ICOS) to simultaneously measure δ17O, δ18O and δ2H stable isotopes in water samples.

The O and H stable isotopes that can be used to study water cycles and to track water including rainwater, surface waters (rivers, ponds) and groundwater as it moves through the cycles.