We have analytical laboratories specializing in the determination of organic compounds (lipids and amino acids) and elements (carbon and nitrogen) in samples from the aquatic environment. The lipid lab has instrumentation for performing extractions, thin layer chromatography (TLC), and gas chromatography (GC). The C/N lab has instrumentation for determining dissolved and particulate organic carbon and nitrogen (DOC, POC, DON, PON). At present, the Aquatic Research Cluster (CREAIT) is responsible for both these facilities which have been used by students of the Department of Ocean Sciences, the greater University community and government agencies and private sector R&D companies.

  Two dry labs equipped for sample collection and lipid extractions.

 

 

  

 

Lipid lab 

 

Thin Layer Chromatography

 

The Iatroscan MK-6 is equipped with both FID and FPD detectors. The FID is used for determination of organic compounds while the FPD is used for the determination of phosphorous and sulphur selectively. Both the FID and FPD can be used simultaneously. The Iatroscan is used on average two to three full days a week throughout the year.

 

 

 

Gas Chromatography

The HP 6890 GC/FID equipped with an HP 7683 autosampler. The injector is temperature programmable and configured for on-column injection. The
injector is normally set up for 320 μm capillary columns, but can be changed to fit other columns. This GC/FID is used two to three full days a week throughout the year.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Varian CP-3800 GC/FID with a CP-8400 autosampler. The chromatograph has an injector that is temperature and pressure controlled. The injector type is split/splitless. This instrument is used a couple of times a year for a few weeks at a time for amino acid and sterol analyses.

 

 

 

C/N lab

 

CHN Analyzer

The Perkin-Elmer 2400 Series II CHN analyzer determines carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen in particulate samples. The analyzer is equipped with an autosampler that will hold 60 samples. The CHN analyzer is used for several week-long blocks of time in the course of a year.

 

 

 

 TOC/TN analyzer

 The model TOC-VCPH and can measure total carbon, inorganic carbon (IC), non-purgeable organic carbon (NPOC), purgeable organic carbon, and total nitrogen (TN). We routinely analyze seawater samples for NPOC and TN. IC is sometimes analyzed to determine if any inorganic carbon remains in the sample after it is acidified and sparged with carrier gas. The instrument is equipped with a 48 sample autosampler. The TOC machine is also used for several week-long blocks of time in the course of a year.