Analytic Chemistry

The Analytical Chemistry division works on cycling and fate of the major components of the biogeochemical cycle and of anthropogenic pollutants and contaminants which now are of global social concern, particularly in relation to natural and anthropogenic environmental change. New, high performance, analytical instrumentation is permitting rapid progress in identifying important, complex controls of biological productivity, carbon cycling and water quality.

The division specialises in the following areas:

• Monitoring and analysis of organic contaminants
• Trace element analysis
• Tracing nutrient inputs
• Sewage monitoring
• Use of stable isotopes in environmental science

Funding comes from a range of sources including government departments, research councils, the EU and industry.

Examples of research projects include:

• Biogeochemistry of Antarctic sea ice
• Transfer of nutrients and organic matter from land to coastal waters
• Microvariablity of sediment contamination
• Application of stable isotope techniques to biogeochemical processes in the marine environment: from paleo to present.
• Pathways of organic matter with its implications for biodiversity and sustainable uses in the White Sea (WOMP).
• Microvariablity of sediment contamination