The analytical capabilities available include instrumental neutron activation analysis, atomic absorption spectrometry, and ion chromatography. The staff has over thirty years experience in using instrumental neutron activation analysis for studies of environmental samples such as soils, sediments, mineral ores, metal samples, and atmospheric particulate matter. Many industrial and environemental materials can be irradiated and their elemental composition determined using techniques that have been developed in our labs at the Graduate School of Oceanography, University of Rhode Island over the past twenty years. The bombardment of samples with neutrons leads to the production of radioactive nuclides. The concentrations of the elements are determined using information on the decay rates of the nuclides and the energies of the gamma-rays they emit.
Quantification is achieved by comparison with known quantites of standard reference materials.
In addition to instrumental neutron activation, trace metal analyses can be performed using a Perkin Elmer Model 5000 atomic absorption spectrophotometer equipped with both flame and flameless atomization systems. Several clean benches, a 20' x 18' clean room, and a LFE oxygen discharge low-temperature asher are available for trace element work. The CACS maintains a Dionex Model 16 ion chromatograph suitable for the analysis of sodium, chlorine, sulfate, and nitrate. An Ethernet connection to the CACS building has been established, facilitating the transfer of data.