Gas Chromatograph (Shimadzu
GC-14A, Room 354B).
This GC is equipped with FID (with methanizer) and ECD (Ni63)
detectors and is set up for analysis of N2O, CH4 and CO2. (See
the Shimadzu and customized manuals). All users must complete
the Radiation Safety Questionnaire provided by the lab's health
physics officer. Users' names will be added to the Matson Lab
CRA staff after they have successfully completed the questionnaire.
Users should consult the Health-Physics site at
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/EHS/prod/researchlab/radlaser/index.html.
for additional information. Users must receive training from an
authorized lab member and follow the guidelines set forth in the
Shimadzu 14A Instruction Manual
at all times. Safety glasses
are required for operation of the GC, which will include handling
of compressed gas cylinders, pressurized components of the GC,
and syringes. The following compress gases are used with the GC:
air and hydrogen (to fuel the flame ionization detector (FID)),
and 95% argon/5% methane and nitrogen [carrier gases for the Ni63
electron capture detector (ECD)]. All of these gases are in storage
group L (Non-Reactive Flammables and Combustibles, including Solvents)
and so may be stored in close proximity to each other. The lab
uses nitrous oxide (0.1, 0.5 and 1.0ppm, storage group E), carbon
dioxide (499 ppm, storage group G), and methane (9.03 ppm, storage
group L) high purity standards in Scotty II (14L) disposable cylinders.
B-D 22 gauge needles used for injection of gas samples should
be collected in a puncture-proof container and disposed of in
the trash. If needles are biologically contaminated they should
be collected in red biohazard molded plastic containers and disposed
of in accordance with EH&S bio-safety guidelines biological
hazardous waste. For additional information see:
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/EHS/prod/researchlab/bio/index.html
and
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/EHS/prod/enviro/waste/index.html.
The Shimadzu EZChrome data collection system is run on a Dell
Optiplex Gxi 233Mhz computer.
Acid Block Digestor (SI
Scientific AIM500, Room 354).
This instrument must be operated in the fume hood and all users
must sign the instrument log. Full-face shield, goggles, acid-resistant
gloves, lab coat, long pants, closed-toe shoes, and corrosive
resistant apron must be worn when concentrated acid and other
concentrated corrosive chemicals are used. Goggles that fit over
prescription glasses are available. Refer to the TN/TP Copper
Sulfate Acid Digest SOP for detailed information.
Continuous-Flow Autoanalyzer (Alpkem Flow Solution IV, Room
354).
An authorized lab member must train all users. Special permission
is required to operate the Alpkem independently and during off-hours.
As with any chemical procedure, the operator must be familiar
with the MSDS's for all chemicals prior to use. Acids, bases,
and other hazardous chemicals are commonly used with this instrument,
e.g., the nitrate color reagent contains concentrated phosphoric
acid and a known carcinogen, N-1- napthlethylamine. Operators
must be certain that they are using the proper personal protection
gear prior to beginning work (See the glove guide:
http://www.stanford.edu/dept/EHS/prod/researchlab/lab/glove/index.html).
The Alpkem SOP (AKA "Alpkem for Dummies")
and user log book are
kept on the shelf above the instrument. Please fill out the user log
book each time the machine is operated or modified. Users must wear safety
glasses while operating this instrument except when they are seated
and using the computer. The flow solution IV data collection software
is run on a HP Vectra VL7 computer with a serial printer (HP 692C).
For more detailed information, see the Alpkem Flow IV SOP.
Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (Shimadzu TOC-5000A, Rm. 354B).
This analyzer measures total carbon, inorganic carbon and total organic carbon in solution. The sample is
heated in a combustion tube, converting the organic or inorganic
carbon to CO2. The CO2 then passes through a non-dispersive infrared gas analyzer for detection.
Non-purgeable organic carbon can also be measured by a slightly different procedure where the sample
is acidified and sparged, eliminating the inorganic component (as well as the purgeable organic carbon).
The instrument is connected to an autosampler (ASI-5000A) and PC controlled by a Micron computer.
All users must receive training from an authorized lab member before using this instrument. The
TOC's SOP is located in a drawer to the left of the machine.
Chemoluminescence Detector (Scintrex LMA-3, Room 352).
The Matson lab has two LMA-3 Luminox Monitors (also called a NOx
boxes), which are used to measure NOx (NO and NO2) in the field
using chemoluminescence. Currently, there is a NOx box at field
sites in Magma Lab, Volcanoes National Park, HI and at Cimmyt
in Cd. Obregon, Mexico. Drierite (anhydrous calcium sulfate) and
Ascarite (sodium hydroxide coated silica) are used to clean outside
air of moisture and carbon dioxide and NOx, respectively. We are
currently considering a modification to the instrument with would
re-circulate air in the measurement chamber eliminating the need
for the Drierite and Ascarite inflow filters. Luminol II Solution
(sodium sulfite, storage group G) is oxidized in the presence
of NO2 producing chemoluminescence in the region of 425nm. A nitric
oxide gas standard (high purity, 0.1 ppm, Size C cylinder, storage
group E) is used to calibrate the NOx box. For detailed information
on instrument specifications and operation, refer to the Scintrex
manual and NOx Box SOP.
Copies of both documents are kept in the lab
SOP notebook as well as with the instrument.
Spectrophotometer (Hitachi
U-2000, Room 354).
This is a bench top UV/VIS spectrophotometer equipped with a sample
sipper, which operates over a range of 200nm to 1000nm. The Plymovent
snorkel exhaust above the Alpkem autoanalyzer can be extended
and positioned over the spectrophotometer when acetone or other
solvents are in use. (See manual in cabinet above unit).
Freeze Dry System (Labconco Freezone 4.5, Rm. 354).
This instrument removes water from frozen materials by converting
frozen water directly into its vapor without the intermediate
formation of liquid water. All users must receive training from an
authorized lab member and follow the freeze dryer's SOP
located in the front of the user log. This instrument is owned jointly by
the Paytan, Fendorf, Brown and Matson labs.
Lab Forced-Air Ovens (Fisher Isotemp, Room 352).
These ovens have a maximum temperature of 325_C. Users should
always be certain that the oven door is securely closed before
leaving the oven unattended, and wear heat-resistant gloves as
needed. The oven manuals are kept in a drawer in the counter opposite
the ovens. The ovens are usually set at 65_C (Oven#1) and 105_C
(Oven#2). Users must confirm that the oven is empty before changing
the temperature, and then record their name, date, temperature,
drying time required, and sample type in the oven log.
Lab Incubator (Fisher Isotemp, Room 352).
This is a bench-top model incubator with two shelves and range
of 30 - 75_C. The incubator manual is kept in a drawer under the
counter opposite the ovens in Room 352. Users must record their
name, the date, the temperature, incubation time required, and
sample type on the incubator log.
Centrifuge (Beckman, Room 354).
Operator must review the Beckman manual, including the "Chemical
Resistance for Spinco Division Products" guidelines on chemical
and container compatibility, prior to operation of this instrument.
The chemical resistance guidelines provide information on whether
or not it is safe to cap a tube containing certain chemicals.
This is extremely important! For example, centrifuging capped
chloroform will result in pressure release of chloroform. Users
must make sure that tubes are balanced, they fit securely in the
wells (holders), and the full height of the tube is secured. Safety
glasses must be worn during operation and users must never attempt
to open the centrifuge during operation!
Balances (PR503, MT5, Room 354; Sartorius 8100, Room. 352).
Users must be trained by an authorized lab member and must follow
the guidelines provided in the balance SOPs -
Sartorius 8100, Mettler-Toledo PR503,
Mettler-Toledo MT5.
Weighing supplies are provided in the Room 354B in a drawer below
MT5 balances. Additional Mettler guidelines are posted on the
wall above the balances. Matson Lab balances are calibrated by
Scientific Instrumentation Services (Contact: Jeff Shipley, 510-869-5510)
every six months. Users should notify the lab manager if calibration
is out of date. Balance specs are as follows: Mettler PR503 -
Readability 0.001 g, Range 0-510 g, Repeatability 0.0005g; Mettler-Toledo
MT5 - Readability 1 ug, Capacity 5100 mg, Repeatability 0.8ug
for 0-2 g; Sartorius LP3200D - Readability 0.001/0.01 g, Capacity
1000/3200g (See Mettler and Sartorius manuals for more specs).
Muffle Furnace (Thermolyne
Type 6000 Furnace, Room 352).
Users must wear safety glasses and heat-resistant gloves, and
use tongs when moving crucibles in and out of the furnace. Users
also should confirm that the Plymovent snorkel exhaust is positioned
directly above the furnace vent prior to use. Hot articles removed
from the furnace should always be placed onto a concrete brick
for cooling rather than directly onto the lab bench. The lab manager
must be notified if furnace is to be left on overnight.
Grinding Mill (Spex Mixer Mill 8000, Room 352).
Users must be trained by an authorized lab member and follow the
Spex Mixer Mill SOP.
The manual and grinding
supplies are kept in the cabinet above the grinder. Earplugs may
be obtained from the Bio Stores if supplies are depleted.
Cutting Mill (Wiley Mill, Room 352).
All users receive training from an authorized lab member and follow
the lab's Cutting Mill SOP. Grinding
supplies are kept in the cabinet above the grinder. The lab has
a vacuum cleaner dedicated to use with the grinders. Earplugs
may be obtained from the Bio Stores if supplies are depleted.
pH Meter (Accumet Dual Channel
pH/Ion/Conductivity Meter, Room 354).
Manuals are kept in the drawer to the left of the pH meter, along with
the pH Meter SOP.
Buffer solutions (pH 4, 7 and 10) and electrode-filling solutions
are kept secondarily contained in the chemical storage cabinet
above the meter. Electrodes for pH and conductivity
are available for general use.
Sonicator (Neslab, Room 354).
This is a variable speed sonicator with a 2-gal capacity kept
on the lab bench in Room 354. Users must confirm that the drain
is securely closed prior to filling the sonicator with water,
and must keep all portable electrical devices at a safe distance
from the water bath. If materials are to be left in the sonicator
for prolonged period, the cover should be left in place.
Water Purification System (Barnstead E-pure 4-Module, Room
354).
This system produces up to 2 L/min of Type 1 reagent-grade bacteria-free
water. The digital purity meter displays output water resistance
form 0.01 to 18.3 megohm-cm with automatic temperature compensation
to 25_C (77_F). The Matson Lab uses the pre-treated feed cartridge
combination (Barnstead # D50228, Fisher #09-050-285) and a final
filter (Barnstead #D3750, Fisher #09-034-145). Users should monitor
the digital readout and change the cartridge set whenever it drops
to 18 megohm-cm. Users must date and record all cartridge and
final filter changes on the E-pure log (taped to side of hood
adjacent to system). Users must be sure to include on the log
confirmation that the new cartridge installation protocol was
followed indicating that cartridge is ready to use.
Plant Canopy Analyzer (LI-COR LAI-2000, Rm. 352).
The LAI-2000 is a compact portable unit used to calculate Leaf
Area Index (LAI) and other canopy structure attributes from radiation
measurements. The unit is powered by six alkaline "D"
batteries and includes communication software for IBM-compatible
computers. Used batteries should be bagged, properly labeled,
and disposed of as hazardous waste. Full documentation of operation
of the LAI-2000 can be found in the LAI-2000 Manual and lab SOP
kept in the instrument case. A copy of the LI-COR brochure and
the lab SOP are kept on file in the lab protocol notebook.
Tucker Portable TDR (1502B, Rm. 354).
This instrument uses Time Domain Reflectometry (TDR) to measure
soil moisture based on the change in the dielectric constant of
the soil with changes in soil moisture. The required equipment
includes a cable tester, soil moisture probes and a computer to
record the waveforms, analyze them, and save the soil moisture
results. There is an option for a multiplexer and extension cables
for automated multiple readings, but the Matson lab has only the
basic unit. The portable TDR is stored at our lab in Volcanoes
National Park, Hawaii.