Hydrogeochemistry

Hydrogeochemists of the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources determine and evaluate the content of geogenic and anthropogenic substances in water, soils and sediments. The focus of their work is sampling and analysing ground and surface water. During the sampling process, scientists use a flow-through device for the field measurement of temperature, conductivity, pH value, oxygen content and redox potential of the water. The alkalinity of the sample is determined by titration.

Further analyses of water samples are performed in the laboratory. Modern techniques of instrumental analytical chemistry are used to determine the main and trace components. The quality of the analytical results and plausibility of data is evaluated.

The instrumental analytical methods applied are:

• High Resolution - ICP Mass Spectrometry (HR- ICP- MS)
• ICP Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP- OES)
• Ion Chromatography (IC)

In addition to water analyses, hydrogeochemists of the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources also investigate various geochemical processes and support the Institute’s technical co-operation projects. They also carry out and interpret inorganic geochemical investigations for interdisciplinary projects at the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources.