Tracing Earth and environmental processes
The Geochemistry Laboratory is used to study the properties of the Earth’s surface materials. The lab is used for practical classes, student project work, and research in the fields of Palaeontology, Environmental Science and Earth Science.
Students on courses including BSc Hons Marine Environmental Science, BSc (Hons) Earth Science, BSc (Hons) Palaeontology, BSc (Hons) Environmental Science, and MSc Environmental Geology and Land Contamination, use the lab.
The Geochemistry Laboratory contributes to student projects and staff/student research in the following areas:
- Earth Science – geochemistry sample preparation work for X-ray fluorescence spectroscopy, plus sample preparation for isotope analysis using multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.
- Environmental science – sample preparation for quadropole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and inductively coupled optical emission spectroscopy. Flow cytometry and fluorimetry. Ecotoxicology studies and basic water quality testing.
- Palaeontology – palynology sample processing.
Explore our Geochemistry Lab
Equipment and amenities
- Hydrofluoric acid fume hood and acid dissolution area
- General chemistry glassware and reagents
- Palynology processing area – for acid dissolutions of rock matrices, sample sieving and heavy liquid separation
- Merck Mili-Q Direct – 8 water system for trace analysis work
- Fluid Imaging VS1 FlowCam – for visualisation/speciation of particles in solution
- Sysmex Cyflow Cube 8 Flow cytometer – for cell population measurements, counting and characterisation
- Clean room – for clean isotopic analysis sample preparation
Related facilities
Environmental Chemistry Analysis Laboratory
Use the equipment in this lab to identify and analyse chemicals and biochemicals in surface water, groundwater and soil, so you can develop strategies to minimise and remove their harmful environmental effects.
Mineral Separation Laboratory
Explore our Mineral Separation Laboratory, where we separate and pick crystal grains from crushed rock for Palynology slides to help us understand how the earth was formed and tackle climate change.
Palaeontology and Advanced Microscopy Laboratories
Examine rock, mineral and fossil specimens using the specialist kit in these labs, such as transmitted light, polarising and scanning electron microscopes, and explore processes including acid digestion, air abrasion and microfossil extraction.
Where to find us
Burnaby Building
Burnaby Building BB 3.16
Burnaby Road
Portsmouth
PO1 3QL
King Henry Building
King Henry I Street
Portsmouth
PO1 2ER