The department houses two ‘clean’ laboratories for the preparation of samples under low-blank conditions. Both labs were opened after significant investment by the university in October 2023.
One of the two labs is an ISO-6 metal-free laboratory designed to facilitate the purification of metallic elements from natural samples for concentration or isotopic analysis. The lab includes 5x ISO-5 laminar flow hoods, a Merck high-purity water system, and Savillex distillation units to prepare high-purity acids.
The second, ISO-8, non-metal free clean lab hosts 3x ISO-5 laminar flow hoods for low-blank acid handling, and 1x ISO-5 stainless steel laminar hood for organic geochemistry. The lab is suitable for the preparation of a range of natural sample materials under ultra-clean conditions, including DNA sampling and micro-plastic analysis.
Both of the new labs are accessible for wheelchair users, with open lobbies, low-level laminar flow hoods and low-level benching.
Contacts:
James Brakeley - Geochemistry Technician
Alex Dickson - Professor in Geochemistry
Christina Manning - Senior Lecturer in Igneous Geochemistry
