Facilities & Methods

The tools used in the Biogeochemistry Group include a range of analytical, radiotracer, and stable isotope methods that are applied to samples and/or experiments. A brief description of the facilities and equipment available for our research in the is given below.

-Three isotopic ratio monitoring mass spectrometers equipped with an elemental analyzer and/or a gas chromatograph (with pyrolysis oven) for analysis of C, N and H (D) in organic compounds as well as a gas-bench for analysis of dissolved inorganic C in water samples

-Ultra-low level gamma spectrometer for determining naturally-occurring gamma radioactivity in sediment samples, particularly U and Th series radionuclides.

-Temperature gradient blocks (5) for measuring microbial activities in samples along a temperature gradient including one that also works at up to 50 MPa pressure.

-Two liquid scintillation counters for determining radioactivity in tracer experiments are an integral part of the experimental radiochemical laboratory facility at the MPI.

-HPLC and GC facilities for the detection and quantification of a broad range of low-molecular weight organic and inorganic compounds (e.g., H2, sulfur species, short chain fatty acids) at near in situ concentrations.

-Four in situ-pumps for filtering large amounts of water (up to 2000 liter) in situ for collection of adequate amounts organic matter for organic geochemistry, isotope analysis, metagenomics and gene expression.

-Pump-CTD system for continuous water sampling throughout the water column (max 300meter depth) that allows high resolution sampling of gradients in the water column as well as sampling of larger amounts of water for i.e. incubations from selected depths, without any contact with the atmosphere (i.e oxygen).

-Surface multi-core and large gravity core (>1000 kg, 12 cm diameter, 12 m length) sediment sampling systems.