Our Laboratory Facilities 

Lab Equipment 

Rigaku ZSX Primus IV Sequential Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer
This WDXRF is able to quantify major and minor elements from beryllium to uranium in many different sample types (liquids, solids, alloys, films and oils) using . Our equipment is equipped with a high voltage 3kW X-ray Generator (60kV, 100mA), a 48-Position Capacity Automatic Sample Changer, with three crystals (LiF(200) for Ti-U, PET  for Al-Ti , and the RX-26 for O-Mg Analyses. This configuration allows to measure with high precision from Oxygen to Uranium. 
We focus on the analysis of solid samples and liquid samples using the ultra-carry technique developed by Rigaku. 
Differential Scanning Calorimeter - Thermogravimetry
This Waters Discovery SDT 650 is a high resolution Thermo Gravimetry Analyzer (TGA) and Differential Scanning Calorimeter (DSC). It has a a range from ambient to 1500C and a dual gas input (available purge gases: air, nitrogen, oxygen, argon and helium). Our model is equipped with a 30 position autosampler which allows almost continuous operation. This equipment is hyphenated to a Thermo IS 50 FTIR for evolve gas analysis (see below). 
Fourier Transform Infra Red Analyzer 
This is a Thermo Nicolet iS 50, which is a highly flexible and  fully-automated FTIR Spectrometer that covers a multi-spectral range from far-infrared to visible. Our system is equipped with a heated line that connects to our DSC-TG for evolve gas analysis, an ATR crystal module (shown in picture) for fast and reliable quantitative analysis and a Pike XY autosampler Module for diffuse reflectance analysis of powders and liquids. This autosampler can hold up to 48 samples and could significantly reduce operator time and manipulation of soil samples for MIR analysis. (Picture from: Thermo Scientific)  ​
Liquid Total Organic Carbon and Nitrogen Analyzer
 This Shimadzu® TOC has been the standard workhorse instrument of most laboratories perform organic and inorganic carbon analysis in liquid samples. Our model is equipped with a module to also analyzed total nitrogen in liquid samples and an autosampler unit.  
Thermo Scientific DIONEX Aquion Ion Chromatography  System
 This compact and versatile ion chromatographer is dedicated to anion analysis in our lab (F-,Cl-, NO2-, Br-, NO3-, PO4--- and SO4--) in water samples (fresh or soil water). Our system is equipped with a AS-DV autosampler.
Retego® - TTR Chemical Water Analyzer 
Field Multiparameter Analyzer based on a laser detector and multivariate analysis colorimetric and fluorimetric readings. This is equipment is dedicated for field and lab water analysis of Alkalinity, pH, Chlorine, Sulfates, Na, Mg Ca, Fe, and many other parameters. ​More info: LINK 
Near Infra Red Analyzer
This ASD Labspec 5000 is a robust near infrared spectrometer able to measure in the 350-2500 nm range.  It is relatively light weight so it can be taken to the field for preliminary sampling and analysis. It can analyze soil samples and identify main mineral phases in a few seconds. It can also be use in combination with in-house libraries to deliver a series of soil parameters like SOM or carbonate content. 
SmartChem - Wet Chemistry Analyzer

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Shimadzu UV-VI Spectrophotometer  
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YSI 52 Dissolved Oxygen Analyzer
Thermo Sorvall RC6 PLUS Refrigerated Centrifuge
This is a superspeed refrigerated centrifuge with a maximum of 4L capacity. This centrifuge is equipped with two FiberLite rotors that can handle from large 1L and 250 mL Nalgene type bottles all they way down to 15 mL centrifuge tubes.  
ELGA PureFlex ROS Water System
This is a complete water purification system that is central piece for most  of the analytical work we perform at PSB. The system provide purified water on demand and it has a very simple user interface and flexible and programable dispensing system.

Field Equipment 

Field Probe Truck 
This Giddings Probe is mount in a 2022 Ford F350 (4x4). The probe has different types of probes including borehole and corkscrew auger types of different diameters to obtain  undisturbed and disturbed soil samples. 
Meter® Saturo Infiltrometer
The Saturo allows us to measure infiltration rates and field saturated hydraulic conductivity. This equipment is fully automated and simplified the process of measuring these variables in the field reducing time, water consumption and physical work effort. We are using this equipment for research and to teach students how to measure these parameters in the field and their relationship to soil properties and management practices.  

Eijkelkamp MIni Rainfall Simulator

It is a very simplified user friendly rainfall simulator use to measure runoff and soil loss using a standardized approach.  We are using this system to evaluate soil erosion under different land uses and demonstrate soil erosion process to students enroll in soil sciences classes.  

PP Systems IRGA CO2/H2O/O2 Soil Gas Analyzer

This is a compact and easy to carry IRGA systems ideal for field measurements of soil respiration, but also for incubation experiments. Our system is equipped with a soil chamber for direct measurements of CO2, H2O and O2. In addition it comes with a moisture and temperature sensor. (Picture from: PP Systems)