Research
Center for Geochemical Analysis
The Center for Geochemical Analysis at the University of South Florida specializes in the determination of low-level trace metals in a variety of materials including rock, water, environmental samples, biologic materials, and synthetic aqueous materials. The facility is equipped with an ICP-OES, ICP-MS, HPIC, and laser ablation system for trace level abundance determinations. Analyses are provided to the public, research institutions, government agencies, and universities. Please contact Shannon Letscher for more information on the lab capabilities.
Major Equipment and Instrumentation
ICP-MS Perkin Elmer NexION 2000P
ICP-OES Perkin Elmer Avio 200
HPIC Thermo Fisher Dionex Integrion
Laser Ablation System for LA-ICP-MS Teledyne Photon Machines LSX G2+ 213 Laser ablation system
Sample preparation
Two analytical prep labs are maintained for the routine dissolution of geologic, environmental, and biologics for study via mixed acid attack, chelating extraction, or by classical fluxed- fusion methods. In addition, a clean laboratory is maintained as a B, Li and Be free space which is used to prepare samples for light element analysis, ultra trace element determinations by ICPMS and for the preparation of samples for Li and B isotopic ratio determinations. Geosciences also maintains a full cutting and crushing facility that includes a SPEX shatterbox and SPEX ball mill. For more information on our sample preparation facilities, please contact us.
Quality CONTROL
The geochemical lab at USF upholds strict quality control measures. Certified reference materials are used where applicable for both standard calibrations and QC standards and are inserted with each analytical run at regular intervals to ensure ongoing instrument accuracy, precision and drift. All reagents used are of trace metal grade or better and are diluted with deionized Type 1 reagent grade 18.2MΩ-cm resistance water. Distilled acids are produced in our clean room facilities and used regularly when determination of concentrations below 0.1ug/L are required.
For more information or to book instrumentation time, please contact Shannon Letscher.
Contact
Shannon L. Letscher
Teaching Lab Manager
USF Geosciences
shannonletscher@usf.edu
Phone: (813) 974-1467
Additional facilities
Also available at USF are research grade petrographic microscopes with both transmitted and reflected light capabilities and several modern binocular microscopes with photographic capabilities. We maintain a full thin section preparation laboratory.
USF Geosciences also has full access to a remotely-operated JEOL 8900R SuperProbe Electron Microprobe and JEOL 5900-series Scanning Electron Microscope (EMPA/SEM) system housed at Florida International University in the Florida Center for Analytical Electron Microscopy (FCAEM). These instruments were obtained via a collaborative NSF grant for the use of geoscience faculty at all the major Florida universities. The system is run from desktop computers via an Internet 2 high data density connection, and provides full, real-time optical and backscatter graphics, as well as the full spectrum of quantitative micro-analysis options.
Perkin Elmer NexION 2000P ICP-MS
Perkin Elmer Avio 200 ICP-OES
Thermo Dionex Integrion High Pressure Ion Chromatography (HPIC)
Teledyne Photon Machines LSX-213 G2+ Laser Ablation System
VIRTUAL TOURS
ICP Lab Pricing
Sample Submittal Form
For more information or to book instrumentation time, please contact Shannon Letscher.