Geochemistry Lab

The analytical activity of Geochemistry Lab is focused mainly on determination of major, minor and trace element concentrations in geomaterials as well as macro/micronutrients and non-essential trace elements in plants, animals and foods.

ANALYTICAL INSTRUMENTS
  • Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), PerkinElmer NexION 350;
  • Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES), PerkinElmer Optima 2000DV;
  • Ion chromatograph, Metrohm Compact IC 761;

The laboratory is also equipped with: UV-Vis spectrophotometer (Hach DR/4000U), microwave digester (Milestone Ethos 900), pH-meter, conductivity-meter, microanalytical scale, analytical scales, centrifuge, stoves, muffle, fume hoods, water purification unit for production of double-distilled and ultra-pure water, isodynamic magnetic separator, crusher, sieve shaker and pulverizers.

MAIN ANALYTICAL DETERMINATIONS
  • physical and chemical properties of the soil: particle size, pH, electric conductivity, cation exchange capacity, organic carbon and carbonate content;
  • total content of major, minor and trace elements in geomaterials such as rocks, soils, stream sediments and particulate matter;
  • concentrations of major, minor and trace elements in soil fractions (water soluble, exchangeable, acid soluble, extractable, reducible, oxidable and residual fractions);
  • concentrations of major ions and trace elements in surface waters and groundwater;
  • concentrations of macro/micronutrients and non-essential trace elements in wild and cultivated plants, bioindicators (e.g., lichens, earthworms and isopods) and foods (e.g., olive oil and wine).
Lead Scientist
Technicians
  • Di Lella Luigi Antonello