We facilitate investigation into the sources, structures, and distributions of organic carbon compounds (biomarkers) from oceans, lakes, sedimentary rocks and even atmospheric aerosols, providing apparatus and work-spaces for molecular organic geochemical extraction and work-up.
Samples are extracted and separated into compound class fractions: e.g. hydrocarbons, aromatic hydrocarbons, aldehydes/ketones and alcohol/sterols using standard organic geochemical methods.
Further information on organic geochemsitry at Birmngham
Analytical equipment:
- GC-FID (Agilent 7693A GC with autosampler). Gas chromatography with Flame Ionisation Detection used for quantification of lipid biomarkers.
- GC-MS (Agilent 5977A MS / 7890b GC with autosampler) Gas chromatography – mass spectrometry is used to identify lipid biomarkers.
- GC-IRMS (Isoprime100/IsoprimeGC5 with Agilent 7890A GC with autosampler). Gas chromatography – isotope ratio mass spectrometry is used to determine compound-specific d13C and d2H isotopic values.
For further details on any of these applications or to discuss possible collaborative research or consultancy please email Dr Matt O’Callaghan (Research Officer).