Grant: Research Tools and Instruments

Researchers in the Environmental Groups of Civil Engineering and Chemical-Biological Engineering at UBC are applying for a Lachate's QuikChem 8500 Series 2 Flow Injection Analysis (FIA) System to replace a frequently-broken-down and obsolete one-channel FIA instrument (Quickchem FIA+ 8000Series), purchased in 1994. The new system combines two analysis methods FIA integrated IC (Ion Chromatography). The FIA instrument has four channels, which will allow us to quantify and analyze multiple species of ions at the parts per million level. The integrated IC module will provide great advantages as it will enable simultaneous measurement of inorganic and organic cation/anion concentrations at the parts per billion level, by selecting either module, depending on the concentration level, without having to repeat the analysis. This will significantly increase our research output. This replacement instrument is essential to enhance our capability to discover and innovate in environmental research in sciences and engineering, tackling contaminants of emerging concern in challenging complex matrix backgrounds, including several types of mining, municipal and industrial wastewater, and contaminated drinking water. The instrument is critical for UBC researchers to continue to make leading-edge contributions to environmental sciences and engineering. It will facilitate a broad spectrum of research activities, where quantitative chemical analyses are routinely required supporting studies on natural water, mine drainage, urban run-off, wastewater, leachates, sediments, soils, sludges and industrial by-products.