MRI: Acquisition of a stable carbon isotope and elemental analysis system

Salem State University, Salem MA

Investigators

Abstract

1126128 Hubeny This Major Research Instrumentation grant supports acquisition a laser cavity ring-down spectrometer (LCRS) and a elemental analyzer front-end combustion device to support determination of the elemental concentrations of carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur and oxygen and stable carbon isotope ratios of bulk organic matter in sediments, soils, tissues and natural waters. The requested isotopic and elemental analysis instrumentation would support PI and student research aimed at determining the provenance and pathways of organic matter transformation between reservoirs. Studies would range from paleoclimate investigations of lacustine archives to estuarine benthic metabolism dynamics in response to environmental changes. Salem State University (SSU) is a non-Ph.D. granting institution which historically has catered to first generation college students. Acquisition of this equipment represents a major infrastructural enhancement to the research capabilities of this regional college and will support a number of regional scientific users beyond campus. ***