ANSTO's research capabilities, led by the OPAL nuclear research reactor and associated instruments provide access to users investigating areas as diverse as materials, life sciences, climate change and mining/engineering.
Environmental Isotope Labs
The Environmental Isotope Labs (EIL) are equipped with modern isotope ratio mass spectrometers (IRMS) [Thermo Delta V Plus and Thermo Delta V Advantage], a Picarro Cavity Ring-Down Spectrometer (CRDS), and a range of sample preparation devices. We also operate well-equipped sample processing laboratories, and these facilities are complemented by the broad range of environmental research expertise within the ANSTO Institute for Environmental Research.
The EIL can analyse carbon (δ13C), nitrogen (δ15N), oxygen (δ18O), and hydrogen (δ2H) isotopes in a range of environmental samples. Most commonly we handle waters (groundwater, rainfall, river, lakes, etc), and organics (soils and biota).
The EIL resides within the Institute for Environmental Research; stable isotope analysis in conjunction with tritium (3H) and carbon-14 analysis are utilised to conduct research which includes (amongst many):
Groundwater-Surface Water Interactions
Groundwater residence times (dating)
Ecohydrology, Aquatic food web studies
Palaeo-climate and palaeo-hydrology
Other areas of environmental research are also welcome. IER research/technical staff can provide assistance with sample selection and treatment, data interpretation, and technique development.
Contacts
Dr Suzanne Hollins
Phone: 02 9717 3701
Email: Suzanne.hollins@ansto.gov.au
Robert Chisari
Phone: 02 9717 3283
Email: Robert.chisari@ansto.gov.au