The litter was then poured into the sorting tray and sorted by rhododendron leaves, twigs and seeds, and other leaves. The chemistry laboratory tour included the analytical laboratory and instrumentation. Students understand how the analysis of Nitrate, Ammonium, Phosphate, and Silicate are carried out on stream water, rainwater, soil water, and plant and soil extractions using the Alpkem Eviroflow 3700 SFA analyzer. Students learn how carbon, hydrogen and nitrogen in plant and soil samples are determined using the Perkin Elmer 2400 CHN analyzer. Students learn steps in preparing samples for nutrient analysis utilizing the Blue M drying ovens and Thomas Willey Mills.
Students learn about ashing of plant tissue in a high temperature muffle furnace.
Students learn the dangers of working with hazardous materials such as acids, bases, and flammable solvents.