This award will enable the purchase of an isotope ratio mass spectrometer, an in-line continuous flow carbonate/CO2 extraction device, and ancillary equipment to couple the new instrumentation to existing devices. The major analytical requirements are carbon and oxygen isotope analysis in accretionary carbonates, like mollusks, brachiopods, corals, fish and speleothems. Deuterium and oxygen isotope ratios are also routinely analyzed in water samples. Other research focuses on nitrogen isotope variability in biominerals and organic sediments. Research foci are biomineralization, terrestrial and marine paleoclimate reconstructions, paleoecology, geoarchaeology, and collaborative efforts with anthropologists marine biologists. This grant will allow the facility to have two parallel IRMS set-ups - decreasing maintenance and repair and allowing higher data throughput. The PIs will also be able to analyze deuterium isotopes in continuous flow obviating off-line preparation for later dual-inlet measurement. The Alabama Stable Isotope Lab is currently directed by the co-PI. A full-time research technician is supported by the institution. Day-to-day maintenance is supported by PIs' research grants and user fees. Currently, income exceeds maintenance and expendables costs. The stable isotope lab is routinely used for graduate and undergraduate courses. Research courses for undergraduates also utilize stable isotope measurements (hands on). Undergraduates are routinely hired for hourly lab work and thus receive training. A second IRMS will allow enhanced student use. Several K-12 outreach programs currently use the facility. A McNair Scholar program exists for stimulating underrepresented student participation.

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Project Report

These funds were used to purchase a new mass spectrometer and related devices necessary to measure the distribution of light stable isotopes (like hydrogen, carbon, nitrogen, and oxygen) in a variety of solids, liquids and gasses. Some samples of particular interest to our lab include skeletal materials (e.g. shells) from fish, corals, mollusks, and brachiopods, limestone cave formations, and water. The distribution of stable isotopes in these samples can give insight into a wide range of phenomena, such as reconstructing past climate and environmental change, tracking organism growth and migration, and assessing pollution levels. This newer equipment permits greater automation, thus saving time and money on future research projects. It also permits analysis a larger numbers of samples, which enables researchers to attain sufficient data to achieve statistical significance. Presently our laboratory is operating nearly 24 hours a day all 7 days a week. We produce data for our own research projects, our students’ class and graduate research, and the research of colleagues from several other institutions who do not have access to such equipment at their home institutions. The installation of the equipment was only completed recently; however several projects have already utilized the new capabilities. For example, we have analyzed oysters exposed to oil and dispersant from the Deepwater Horizon spill to better assess impacts of that event. Cave formations from the South Pacific are being analyzed to better understand El Niño. Isotope data from caves in the USA give insight into drought patterns and past climate change. Several species of marine organisms are being studied to better understand how skeletal growth occurs. Migration patterns in commercially important fish species are being chemically tracked. These are just a few examples of projects currently underway and many more will follow. The new equipment is also used for education. Both graduate and undergraduate students receive hands-on training that will contribute to career development. Data are being generated for undergraduate research projects, Master’s theses, and Doctoral dissertations. Classes use the equipment and the data they generate to better understand geological processes. Several students are employed hourly to prepare and analyze samples, helping to pay for their education while gaining useful job skills. These students come from a variety of backgrounds, adding diversity to scientific professions. In summary, the new mass spectrometer is contributing to expanded research and education opportunities in a number of different ways. Projects currently underway and planned for the near future will result in numerous publications, useful new scientific knowledge, and help train many students.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Earth Sciences (EAR)
Type
Standard Grant (Standard)
Application #
0949303
Program Officer
Russell C. Kelz
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
2010-07-01
Budget End
2012-06-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
2009
Total Cost
$200,000
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Alabama Tuscaloosa
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Tuscaloosa
State
AL
Country
United States
Zip Code
35487