The PI's request funds to establish an Elemental Analysis Facility to expand faculty and student research opportunities at the Romberg Tiburon Center (RTC), the marine and estuarine research facility of San Francisco State University (SFSU). The instruments requested are: an elemental analyzer (EA) with ultramicrobalance for the determination of carbon, nitrogen and hydrogen in particulate samples, and a high-temperature total organic carbon analyzer with N detector for determination of C and N in dissolved organic matter. These instruments with ancillary equipment will form a facility to be housed and operated as a unit that will greatly enhance the research capabilities at RTC.
Broader Impacts
The instruments requested will support diverse projects including ecological and geochemical studies. The RTC has a small (20 students) but diverse student body who will benefit from these basic tools. The instrument purchases will enhance the research program of a junior faculty member (Komada) and be used in teaching at the undergraduate and grad student levels.
