New Research Instrument
09/08/2009
A new Flame Absorption Atomic Spectrometer was acquired this summer for joint use by the EGS and Chemistry programs. This instrument is used to measure trace elemental concentrations in water samples. It will be used in Environmental Geochemical Science, Analytical Chemistry, and Instrumental Techniques as well as by various student researchers.
Sample is sucked up through a tube, broken into tiny water droplets, and atomized in a long flame (left). The atoms of the element being studied are quantified based on how much light they absorb from element-specific lamps (right).
Dr. Ferguson analyzes a sample for iron.