Aqueous Geochemistry and Geomicrobiology Laboratory
The Aqueous Geochemistry and Geomicrobiology Laboratory will house instruments to fully characterize the inorganic chemistry of water samples, and the surface reactivity and composition of a diverse range of solid phases. Research focuses on natural minerals, engineered solids, pyrogenic carbon, and microbial cells.
Current Lab Status: The physical laboratory space is currently undergoing construction and outfitting. Inquiries regarding future collaborations, technical capabilities, and project planning are welcome.
Once fully operational, the facility will support research through analytical instruments that will include:
Triple Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS/MS)
The laboratory utilizes a triple quadrupole ICP-MS system (Agilent 8900) for elemental analysis and trace metal quantification. By employing a mass filter prior to the collision/reaction cell, this instrumentation removes complex spectral and isobaric interferences. This capability enables reliable quantification at parts-per-trillion (ppt) and sub-ppt detection limits, even within highly challenging matrices such as saline waters, complex soil extracts, and digested biological materials.
Automated Potentiometric Titrator
For thermodynamic characterization, the laboratory features an automated potentiometric titration system. This instrument performs high-precision, high-throughput automated titrations to determine solution alkalinity, acid-base chemistry, and surface charge characteristics (such as point of zero charge) of minerals and engineered solids.
UV-Vis Spectrophotometer
A high-performance UV-Vis spectrophotometer provides rapid colorimetric and spectrophotometric quantification. The system is configured to analyze dissolved organic matter (DOM) characteristics, track nutrient concentrations (including phosphate, nitrate, and ammonium), and monitor real-time kinetics or microbial growth curves in solution.
Geomicrobiology & Culture Facilities
The laboratory includes specialized equipment for the isolation, growth, and handling of diverse soil and water microorganisms. This facility supports both aerobic and anaerobic culturing, enabling controlled bio-reactivity experiments to investigate microbial interactions with mineral surfaces, biomineralization pathways, and microbially mediated contaminant transport.
Collaboration
The laboratory is built to support interdisciplinary research. Opportunities for future collaboration, joint research proposals, and advanced material analysis are welcome - please reach out to Dr. Alessi.