SPECTRAL
Stabilisation of pyrogenic carbon in tropical grasslands
We perform radiocarbon measurements with an emphasis on Environmental and Earth science. This covers solids (e.g. organics, carbonates), waters (e.g. DIC, DOC, POC), gases (CO2 and CH4), and a range of other sample types, on both a research and a commercial basis. Laboratory staff engage in a wide range of academic research, collaborating with UK and international scientists at all project stages.
We currently host the NERC-funded National Environmental Isotope Facility (NEIF) Radiocarbon Laboratory. NERC-eligible researchers wishing to apply for fully funded radiocarbon measurements are encouraged to contact us to discuss their proposal in the first instance. Applications to access NEIF support should be made through the NEIF website.
Get in touch: Dr Philippa Ascough
Projects
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13 Oct
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13 Oct
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13 Oct
Carbon Cycle Research in Tropical Africa
Building capacity by deploying portable, low-cost CO2 analysers
Techniques & Technologies
Methane processing rig
Isolation and purification of methane from samples for direct measurement of radiocarbon.
Molecular sieve desorption and recharging rigs
Processing of samples of gaseous CO2 collected in the field or laboratory onto zeolite traps.
Ramped combustion rig
Isolation of individual thermal fractions of chemically complex bulk samples (e.g. soils, sediments) for radiocarbon measurement.
Hydropyrolysis rig
Isolation of polyaromatic carbon (usually pyrogenic, or fire-altered carbon) from mixed matrices for radiocarbon measurement and calculation of sample composition (i.e. PyC/OC %)
Portable field sampling kits for the collection of radiocarbon samples (CO2, CH4, DOC, DIC)
Field collection of samples for radiocarbon measurement, e.g. CH4 from stream water, or CO2 evolved from a soil surface.