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Representative sampling prior to soil analysis accomplished with a Quantachrome Sieving Riffler. The unit consists of three basic components: A cylindrical vibrating hopper which is amplitude-variable and controls the delivery rate of the powder, a rotating sample collector which is divided into eight stainless steel compartments, and two nested sieves used to first remove gravel (>2mm) and particle in excess of the DigiSizer’s detection range (>1 mm). |
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Nutrient analysis, soluble salt chemistry and tracer recovery of soil extracts is accomplished using a Lachat’s QuikChem® 8000 Flow Injection Analysis System features high sample throughput and simple but rapid method changeover. The Soil Characterization Lab is currently equipped with a 4 channel analyzer for various nutrients (PO 4, NO 3, and NH 4), anions common to desert soils (Cl and SO 4), as well as environmental tracers (Br). This equipment was made possible by the National Science Foundation (MRI grant #DBI-0216553). |
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Perkin Elmer 2400 Series CHNS/O Analyzer Total carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen in soil and plant material is determined using a Perkin-Elmer 2400 CHN Analyzer. Samples are oxidized at 1000 ° C, and analyzed by thermal conductivity detectors. |
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The Sampletek Model 200 Vial Rotator Chemical analysis is typically conducted on ground soil sample. Grinding homogenizes the sample allowing for very small subsamples to be removed for metal extractions or total CHN analysis. The Soil Characterization laboratory is equipped with a Sampletek Vial Rotator which used rotational energy to crush sample to a fine talc. The unit can accommodate nearly 100 scintillation vials. |
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Instruments:Antek Total N/S 9000 Series Analyzer Nitrogen is an important measure of the level of ecosystem health and contamination in groundwater, waste water and freshwater streams. Quantification of total N in these samples has traditionally been accomplished by using the time-consuming Kjeldahl method. The Antek 9000 analyzer provides a quick, reliable method with a very wide detection range form ppb to percent level of aqueous samples. This equipment was made possible by the National Science Foundation (MRI grant #DBI-0216553). |
