MRI: Acquisition of an Inductively-Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometer (ICP-OES) for Geological and Biological Research and Education

Csu Fullerton Auxiliary Services Corporation, Fullerton CA

Investigators

Abstract

1040107 Woods This award supports the acquisition of an ICP-OES for geological and biological research. Requested are analytical capabilities sought by both geological and biological researchers at CSU-Fullerton. The instrument will offer in-house analyses to support extramurally-funded research now requiring contract laboratory contracts. The PIs will attack a range of research themes including paleoenvironmental reconstructions, environmental biogeochemistry, tephrochronology and marine ecology. Tephra beds will be assayed in order to better understand paleogeography. Metal contaminants will be assessed in impacted environments. For the marine ecology applications, the PIs will track seawater elemental flow between marine organism populations. The instrument will directly support students affiliated with the PIs. It is also proposed as a teaching resource for non-major courses. CSUF is a Hispanic Serving Institute with close to 50% of biology graduates being women. Research results will be published in peer-reviewed literature. The lead PI will house and administer the instrument. New users will be trained before being allowed to operate the instrument. The instrument will be made a regional resource for 15 local colleges/universities. Cost re-charges will be instituted to support long-term maintenance. ***