Instruments

Model: Anton-Paar Nova Touch LX2

Sample Type: solid samples/powders

• Data output: Full adsorption/desorption Isotherm, pore size distribution, pore volume, pore surface area, other surface characteristics
• Synopsis: measures volumetric gas adsorption/desorption and differential pressure to probe the surface of a material
• Capacity considerations: Can prepare (outgas) up to 4 separate samples at a time, analyze up to two at a time. Required sample amounts may range from 100 mg to 5 g.
• Accommodations:
  • Analysis cells provided

Model: Anton-Paar Cora 100

Sample Types: Solids/liquids

• A field portable Raman spectrometer with a 785 nm excitation laser. Designed for seamless unknown identification of pure substances. The Raman spectra can be stored and exported with the aid of a computer and the Cora 100 Connect software. Cora 100 Connect software is available by request. Verification of UW Laser safety training and a baseline eye exam are required.
• Training Required
• Considerations:
  • Capacity – Can measure a single sample at a time.
  • Analysis – Suitable for bench-top experiments or in-situ field experiments.
  • Training – A brief run down of the instrument, relevant safety precautions, and our Cora 100 Safe Use SOP.
• Accommodations:
  • Materials to hold a modest number of samples in the sample vial attachment are provided with all pertinent resources and manuals.

Model: Agilent 1260 Infinity

Sample Types: Aqueous and organic solutions

• A common methodology for separating components of interest from each other or the sample matrix, our standalone HPLCs are equipped absorbance detectors and a fluorescence detector. Solutions must be filtered to at least 0.45 um or otherwise be particulate free prior to injection.
• Considerations:
  • Capacity – Standard Agilent ALS can accommodate many sample vial layouts. Commonly used with a 100 vial rack.
  • Analysis – For a successful outcome, users should understand the absorbance and/or fluorescence properties of their compound(s), as well as the chemistry of their compound(s) related to separation and detection including structure and pKa.
  • Training – Users are offered an opportunity to arrive on site with no materials or experience and receive training on the full process from preparation of a trial compound from solid to data reduction. Other training modes may include basic orientation on facility processes for experienced users. Trainings are paced at the users discretion, and are repeated until users and trainers are confident of a user’s ability to independently use the resource.
• Accommodations:
  • Some column types are provided. Generic reverse and normal phase mobile phases and additives are provided. Suitable caps and vials for samples are also provided.

Model: Agilent 8900 #100, Agilent 1260 Infinity II Bioinert

Sample Types: Aqueous and organic solutions

• Synopsis: A very versatile resource, this instrument is adept at measuring most of the periodic table over roughly 6 orders of magnitude linear dynamic range. In addition to smaller detection limits (i.e., trace) compared to ICP-OES, users have more flexibility with hardware and within the software to design parameters to accommodate a more challenging sample matrix that may include high dissolved solids or high amounts of organics up to and including neat organics. Additionally, researchers can analyze thousands of discrete nanoparticles in a short amount of time, or use the HPLC for time-resolved speciation analyses.
• Considerations:
  • Capacity – 30 50 mL tubes and 200 15 mL tubes for direct infusion. 400 vials for speciation.
  • Analysis – Analysis considerations vary based on the complexity and nature of the work. General best practice for any ICP, HPLC, or nanoparticle work apply.
  • Training – Training varies in length with the experience and needs of the user. All users are welcome to inquire. Generally, users will bring a small subset of samples and pertinent calibrants/QC solutions for their first analysis.
• Accommodations:
  • Quantities of 50 mL tubes, 15 mL tubes, and generic rinse (e.g., 2-5% nitric acid, aqua regia) are provided. Internal standards for nearly the entire periodic table are provided as necessary. Appropriate LC vials and caps are provided, as well as all materials necessary to prepare common mobile phases. Users with an undefined scope of work may prepare calibrations in the facility using a 26 element mix.

Model: Agilent 1260 Infinity, Agilent 6460A

Sample Types: Aqueous and organic solutions

• This resource is ideal for trace level organic detection and is suitable for targeted analysis of most organic compounds. It can perform targeted analysis on many common PFAS compounds, and can be adapted to run with ESI, APPI, or APCI sources depending on ionization needs.
• Considerations:
  • Capacity – Autosampler will hold up to 96 vials, but standard Agilent autosampler can accommodate many different tray styles including well plates.
  • Analysis – Users should either emulate a previously developed method or have/be prepared to investigate all pertinent chromatography, source, and transition parameters for a successful first approach. Other than appropriate filtration, there are few restrictions on sample composition provided best practice is followed and non-volatile components are diverted to waste.
  • Training – Users are offered an opportunity to arrive on site with no materials or experience and receive training on the full process from preparation of a trial compound from solid to data reduction. Other training modes may include basic orientation on facility processes for experienced users. Trainings are paced at the users discretion, and are repeated until users and trainers are confident of a user’s ability to independently use the resource. Trainings may include an overview of best practice for investigating novel compounds, as necessary.
• Accommodations:
  • Some column types are provided. Generic reverse and normal phase mobile phases and additives are provided. Suitable caps and vials for samples are also provided. Hardware for delayed PFAS work are provided.

Model: Sievers M5310C

Sample Types: Only aqueous samples, must be filtered to 0.45 um not more than 24 hours before analysis.

• This resource can measure both organic and inorganic carbon in aqueous samples with few limitations. Capable of measuring down to 4 ug/L organic carbon and up to 100 mg/L total carbon. The resource is calibrated/verified every 6 months and no external calibration is required.
• Considerations:
  • Capacity – Has room for 120 17 mL sample vials, or 60 20-40 mL sample vials.
  • Analysis – Users should be cognizant of the buffering capacity of their samples, as well as the higher and lower concentration restrictions of the resource. In rare circumstances dilution may be required if sample solution reacts to form a precipitate with ammonium persulfate or phosphoric acid.
  • Training – Training is generally a brief orientation of best practice for use, requirements of use, and how to set up the software.
• Accommodations:
  • Vials and caps are provided, but must be cleaned post analysis.

Model: SCP Science DigiPrep MS

Sample Types: Solids/liquids

• The DigiPrep MS is a Teflon coated graphite block able to uniformly heat up to 47 samples per run to a maximum temperature of 185C. Solid samples are placed in an acidic matrix and heated to high temperatures to send suspended solids into solution.
• One recommended method to prepare samples for ICP analysis
• Consumables are included in usage (Digiprep tubes and caps)
• Link For Matrix Suggestions
• Accommodations:
  • Containers, caps, and Trace Metal Grade acids provided. If dissolving silicious materials with HF, the provided facility training on safe HF use is required.

Model: Horiba Aqualog

Sample Types: solids/liquids

• This instrument is primarily used for scanning fluorimetry, but is also able to do more routine absorbance work. Popular for fDOM fingerprinting.
• Considerations:
  • Capacity – Standard cuvette or solid sample holder, 5 cm cuvette and 3 mm cuvette options are available.
  • Analysis – With a pulsed xenon lamp, users may encounter difficulty probing sub 240 nm absorbance spectra or excitation wavelengths.
  • Training – Training generally consists of a brief startup and software orientation. Data processing overviews are also offered.
• Accommodations:
  • Quartz cuvettes suitable for fluorescence are provided, in addition to additional long and short path length cuvettes. Solids sample stage also provided.

Model: Agilent 5110 VDV

Sample Types: Aqueous solutions

• The ICP-OES can collect spectral information about ionized and excited elements in a sample simultaneously for nearly the entire periodic table. Primary uses are for metals and metalloids, though users may have success with trace atmospheric nonmetals.
• Considerations:
  • Capacity – Room for up to roughly 260 15 mL tubes and 12 50 mL tubes.
  • Analysis – Samples should be low pH, homogenous, and not contain an excess of non-analyte dissolved solids (e.g. < 20%) or carbon containing compounds (e.g. < 5%). Users have the option to acquire standalone or additional qualitative data for all suitable elements. Samples solutions should be particulate free and acidified such that the pH of the solution is low enough to encourage dissolution of all prospective analytes. Solid and colloidal samples should be digested prior to analysis. Common concentration range is 0.5-100 mg/L for nearly all elements.
• Training – Generally consists of a series of hands on meetings where trainees help users refine their needs and expectations with an application focused approach. Users should bring a small subset of properly prepared samples and a calibration curve with all pertinent QCs, as applicable.
• Accommodations:
  • Quantities of 50 mL tubes, 15 mL tubes, and generic rinse (e.g., 2% nitric acid) are provided. Internal standards for nearly the entire periodic table are provided in a 2% nitric acid matrix. Users with an undefined scope of work may prepare calibrations in the facility using a 26 element mix.

Model: ThermoFisher Integrion, ThermoFisher (Dionex) ICS 2100, and ICS 1100

Sample Types: Aqueous solutions

• These resources are all run with regenerative suppression and conductivity cells. The ICS 1100/2100 systems are well suited for generic major soluble ion separations, while the Integrion is well suited for more intricate separation needs, trace soluble ions, and samples with severe volume restrictions.
• Considerations:
  • Capacity – ICS 1100/2100 can hold 50 vials at one time, users can swap vials in and out at their leisure. The Integrion can hold roughly 300 1.5 mL vials, and 30 15 mL vials. Minimum volume recommendations for the ICS 1100/2100 are 1 mL or 7 mL, where the minimum volume recommendations for the Integrion are 200 uL or 1 mL.
  • Analysis – Samples should be circumneutral and contain low concentrations of transition metal ions and organic matter. Several column types are available for more intricate needs on all instruments.
  • Training – Training generally covers a detailed synopsis of the instrument hardware and software, as well as proper data reduction techniques and is conducted at the pace of the user.
  • Accommodations: Vials for all instruments are provided. Filter caps are provided for the ICS 1100/2100. Reagents for mobile phases are provided.

Model: Horiba MacroRAM

Sample Types: Typically liquid solutions, but can also accommodate solids, powders, and gels

• This benchtop Raman spectrometer is suitable for a first approach to Raman and general characterization of discrete Raman bands. While lacking the power and flexibility of a instrument with a confocal objective, this resource is accessible, quick, and permitted to be used without UW Laser Safety Training. Eqipped with a 785nm laser.
• Considerations:
  • Capacity – Standard cuvette or solid sample holder, 5 cm cuvette and 3 mm cuvette options are available.
  • Analysis – Resource has a spectral range of 100-3400 cm-1 and a spectral resolution of 8 cm-1. Training
  • Training generally consists of a brief orientation of analysis parameters, software tools, and data storage structure.
• Accommodations: Quartz cuvettes suitable for fluorescence are provided, in addition to additional long and short path length cuvettes. Solids sample stage also provided.

Model: YSI ExoSonde II

Sample Types: in-situ surface water

• The multiparameter sonde is a field resource that is permitted to be taken by researchers on campus to their field sites. Resource comes with a tethered hand-held controller that is capable of timed or depth profile measurement triggers and data logging. Provided sensors include turbidity, pH, conductivity, temperature, depth, total algae, and fDOM.
• Considerations:
  • Capacity – Measures surface waters
  • Analysis – Users should be mindful of underwater hazards such as rocks and subsurface infrastructure like cables.
  • Training – Consists of an orientation on how to set up and use, as well as practical limitations and best practice care.
• Accommodations:
  • Resource is calibrated at time of need by staff.

Data output: Logged data is tabular, otherwise transcribed manually. Data is accessible from handheld via USB using the free YSI Kor Software.