Windom 9413534 This award provides funding for acquisition of a system upgrade to the existing Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS) located at the Skidaway Institute of Oceanography (SkIO). This upgrade will consist of a laser ablation system that allows for multi-element analysis of solid samples, an ElectroThermal Vaporization (ETV) furnace that allows multi-element detection limits about one ppb using an interference eliminating "dry" plasma, and a mistral high-efficiency nebulizer that dissolves samples before induction into the ICP-MS. Investigations to be undertaken with this advanced capability include fish otilith layer trace metal analysis, rare earth element determinations, Thorium ratios in marine sediments, trace metal mobilization and transport in rivers, estuarine geochemical processes, sediment geochemistry, and groundwater discharge effects on coastal ocean chemistry. SkIO will contribute over 100% in matching funds for this acquisition and the upgraded instrument will serve as a regional asset for area environmental, geological and marine sciences universities and research institutions. ***
