Gamma
spectrometry
Measurement
of gamma-emitting radioisotopes is undertaken using three EG&G Ortec gamma
spectrometry systems all of which are suitable for low-level Pb-210
determination. The detector geometries allow a wide range of sample types to be
analysed: 1 x planar (GEM), 1 x coaxial (GMX) and 1 x well detector (GWL).
X-Ray Fluorescence
Major and minor element geochemical analyses for fingerprinting are undertaken using a state-of-the-art PANalytical Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (WD-XRF) (Axios Max) with facility to prepare and run soil and sediment samples as fused beads (using PANalytical Eagon 2 fusion system), pressed pellets and loose powders.
Liquid scintillation counting
Alpha and beta emmitting radioisotopes are analysed using two Beckman Coulter automated Liquid Scintillation 6500 Counters with facility to prepare and analyse environmental samples and solids and liquids relating to high activity radio-tracer studies (which can be undertaken in-house as required).
The central goal of the IMIXSED Project (Integrating isotopic techniques with Bayesian modelling for improved assessment and management of global sedimentation problems) is therefore to marry together the strengths of isotopic sediment tracer technology in the EU, with ecological source apportionment models developed by US scientists, to deliver a powerful tool to combat threats to global food and water security.
The 'Sediment linkage between land, river and sea: evaluating impacts of historic mining on sediment quality in the coastal zone' (SEDiLINK) research project brings together established techniques (e.g. Pb-210 geochronology) with new approaches in evaluating riverine ecosystems (e.g. Pb isotope fingerprint) and deliver an integrated toolkit for evaluation of mine waste impacts.
This project aims to address the current debate around the allogenic (climate) and autogenic (ecohydrological feedbacks) drivers of change in peatland ecosytems. Using a multi-proxy (plant macrofossils, testate amoebae, stable isotopes), multi-site approach, hydrological changes between multiple profiles will be assessed for intra-site synchronicity.
