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Many projects within the Geologic Discipline use chemical analyses as a tool in the study of various earth, ecological, and biological processes and features. Often, the success of these projects is dependent upon the availability of modern, rapid, multi-element analytical instruments and techniques that are beyond the scope and capability of most individual projects. The Research Chemistry Core Support Project provides access to state-of-the-art chemical analysis hardware and software, as well as the expertise of highly experienced research scientists to help solve unusually difficult problems in the field of analytical geochemistry that cannot be addressed by the routine methods of even the best commercial laboratories. Techniques currently supported, or under development, include ultra-trace analyses (sub ppb concentrations) of both solid and liquid samples for virtually every element in the periodic chart, as well as the quantitative determination of specific chemical species (e.g. As(III), As(V), metal cyanide complexes) and mode of occurrence of elements in minerals. These methods permit the USGS to participate in a broad spectrum of scientific studies ranging from petrology and mineralogy to ecology and geo-environmental issues. Long term efforts of this project include the development of new standard reference materials that are used by USGS analytical labs and projects to assure the highest analytical accuracy possible; in addition, these standards are used by more than 20 countries to monitor the quality of geochemical data produced by laboratories from around the globe.
| Paul Lamothe | Box 25046 MS 973 Denver, CO 80225-0046 |
(303) 236-1923 plamothe@usgs.gov |
|---|
U.S.
Department of the Interior || U.S. Geological
Survey
