Hydrogeochemistry Laboratory

Contact: Dr. Seth Rose

This laboratory, under the direction of Dr. Seth Rose (Associate Professor), is dedicated primarily to the analysis of the major ion chemistry of natural waters. Students and faculty have analyzed hundreds of ground water and surface water samples as part of research projects. One of the primary emphases of the numerous M.S. theses and refereed journal articles that have been generated from this laboratory is the better understanding of stream-flow generation and solute evolution in the Piedmont Province and particularly within the urban metropolitan Atlanta region. The Hydrogeochemistry Laboratory has also investigated various issues related to surface-sediment interaction, notably the fate of sulfate on Piedmont soils and within acid mine drainage sites. The Hydrogeochemistry Laboratory works closely with other analytical facilities within the Department, such as the x-ray diffraction and ICPMS laboratories under the directions of Dr. Elliott and Dr. Ghazi.

This is a well-equipped wet lab dedicated to the measurement of electrical conductivity, pH, alkalinity, and aqueous silica as well as the major anions and cations in water. The principal analytical instruments are an automated Perkin Elmer 3110 atomic absorption spectrometer and a Dionex 100 ion chromatograph. The lab has recently been upgraded with GIS capabilities to support the hydrogeochemical investigations of Georgia's watersheds and aquifers.