ET’s Lewis John and Duncan Mounsor set off for South Africa in April this year following an order for an ABB / LGR Triple Liquid Water Isotope Analyser from BIOGRIP at Stellenbosch University.
The BIOGRIP (Biogeochemistry Research Infrastructure Platform) facility at the university provides access to advanced analytical techniques and instruments for water and soil research to clients in industry and research institutions. It also provides post-graduate students the opportunity to be trained to operate the equipment.
Lewis trained Dr. Janine Colling, a scientist based at the University and Volante Moonsamy, Junior Analyst at BIOGRIP over the three days he was there.
Their procurement of the TLWIA is a significant development in water isotope research. The vast majority of existing research in this area has been done in the Northern hemisphere, so there are many unknowns with regards to isotopic compositions and transport mechanisms in the Southern hemisphere water cycle, and lots of novel research to be done. Janine is one of very few researchers in SA to have access to a water isotope analyser that can measure δ17O, this is due to the advantage of the unique Off-Axis ICOS cavity design.
The TLWIA will be available for internal research, but also for Masters / PhD student projects, and commercial analysis for clients along with other high-end isotope instruments in their new laboratory.
The TLWIA will be a profitable tool for Stellenbosch University, with its low running costs, minimal need for maintenance, and high rate of sample throughput. These are specific advantages to the LGR TLWIA that make it a very desirable acquisition for commercial laboratories and research institutes alike.
For more information on any of the ABB / LGR Liquid Water Isotope Analysers available from Enviro Technology Services check out our product page or contact ET to speak to a specialist.
