Melbourne Analytical Geochemistry
Melbourne Analytical Geochemistry—MAG—builds on over 20 years of experience in trace element and isotope geochemistry research and development. In addition to our own endeavours and internal collaboration, we conduct collaborative external research as well as fee-for-service analyses. Our expertise spans geochemistry and geochronology, biological and a-biological process tracing, modern and paleo-forensics, all the way to disease research and biomarker development.
A large range of solution and laser ablation sample introduction systems are available for the instruments in MAG. All sample preparation and instrumentation are housed within ISO geochemistry clean labs.
Nu Sapphire MC-ICP-MS
The Nu Instruments Sapphire Collision-Reaction-Cell Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (CRC-MC-ICP-MS) allows for the precise and accurate determination of isotope ratios in many different element systems, with additional collision-reaction-cell capability for in-line removal of analyte interferences, enabling a broader range of the analyses, sample types, and quantification limits previously inaccessible by MC-ICP-MS.
The MIA Nu Sapphire is optimised for stable and radiogenic isotope ratio determination, and ultra-high precision geochronology.
Nu Plasma HR-MC-ICP-MS
The Nu Instruments Plasma 1 Multi-Collector Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS) allows for the precise and accurate determination of isotope ratios, with several customisations sp
This unit is has several hardware customisation and is optimised for analyses of U-Th and U-Pb geochronology.
Nu Attom sector-field HR-ICP-MS
The Nu Instruments double-focussing Attom High Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (HR-ICP-MS) has been deisgned for rapid and precise isotope ratio and quantitative analsysis of trace elements.
The Nu Instruments Attom can perform analysis of solutions following digestion of a sample - with or without chemical purification - as well as in situ analysis and imaging when coupled with one of our Laser Ablation (LA) system.
This unit is configured and optimised for in situ U-Pb measurements of carbonates, as well as chemical purification free Pb isotope analyses of soil and rock samples.
Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ
The Agilent 8900 Inductively Coupled Plasma Triple Quadrupole Mass Spectrometer (ICP-QQQ) enables high-precision elemental and isotopic analyses, including radiogenic isotope systems (such as U–Pb, Rb–Sr, and Lu–Hf) for advanced geochemical applications such as geochronology.
The triple-quadrupole configuration allows for more accurate and reliable quantification of trace elements and isotopic ratios, even in complex matrices.
Agilent 7900x Q-ICP-MS
The Agilent 7900x Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (Q-ICP-MS) enables high-accuracy, rapid elemental quantification. The Agilent™ 7900x can perform analysis of solutions following digestion of a sample, as well as in situ analysis and imaging when coupled with one of our Laser Ablation (LA) system.
For solution-bsed analyses, this unit has been configured and optimised for robust ultra-trace elemental characterisation, with options for automation and high matrix samples.
For laser-ablation analyses, this unit is optimised for high-resolution, full quantitative imaging, as well as spot and transect analyses.
ISO Geochemistry Clean Labs
The Melbourne Analytical Geochemistry facilities within MIA host 3 ISO geochemistry clean labs for the preparation of samples in a highly controlled environment, allowing for the ultimate in low detection limits and confidence in results.
These facilities maintain minimum ISO-7 conditions, with nominal ISO 4-5 conditions inside highly specialised HEPA- and ULPA-filtered LabSystems™ Recirculating Laminar Flow Cupboard (RCLF) geochemical workstations. Two of these clean labs are directly conjoined to instrument clean rooms, with a third clean lab for sample preparation and separation chemistry only.
Thermo Scientif™ Inuvion™ HPIC System
The Thermo Scientific™ Inuvion™ High-PressureIon Chromatography (IC) System is an automated, high-pressure ion chromatography system.
This unit is optimised for real-time elution profiling and quantification capabilities for Li, Na, K, Mg, Ca and Sr, with simultaneous separation of these analytes for subsequent isotopic analyses, in water samples.
ESI™ prepFAST-MC™ LPIC System
The ESI™ prepFAST-MC™ Low-Pressure Ion Chromatography (IC) System, is an automated chromatography system with a chemically inert flow path from reagent reservoirs to final eluate collection in user-defined vessels, for ultimate protection during automated separation chemistry.
This unit is optimised for high-throughput analyte separation from sample types other than water.