Home > Research and Labs > Water Quality Laboratory

 

W. M. Keck Foundation Water Quality Laboratory

 

Some of the most important and modern tools for water and watershed analysis are available through the creation of the new W. M. Keck Foundation Water Quality Laboratory at Rensselaer.

This state-of-the-art facility, made possible by a major gift from the W.M. Keck Foundation, is located on the third floor of Rensselaer's Materials Research Center and has quickly become a vital resource in Rensselaer's water quality research.

In one location, researchers can quickly determine the exact chemical compostion of soil and water samples and examine microscopic organisms. These scientific instruments are important tools for exploring the natural world, protecting freshwater and groundwater sources, engineering solutions to critical problems, and guiding public policy.

Gas chromatograph and mass spectrometer separates a complex mixture and identifies the components.

 

Exacting laser optics of the confocal microscope can examine microscopic water-bord life in slices smaller than 1 micron.

 

David A. Winkler, Research Technician and Acting Manager of the Keck Water Research Laboratory.

 

Flow cytometer identifies particles based on fluorescence and scatter of laser light.

 

Total organic analyzer measures amounts of organic and inorganic carbon in liquid or solid samples.

 

Organic elemental analyzer analyzes C,N,H,O, and sulfer in soil, seawater, and groundwater sources.

 

Atomic absorption spectrometer measures the metal content of a sample in milligrams per liter.