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Analytical Chemistry

Project Objectives

The USGS Mineral Resources Program and other Geology Discipline scientists need specialized routine analysis in order to carry out their research. This project facilitates the ability of the scientific staff to obtain these analyses. The project is responsible for: the physical preparation and tracking of the samples through in-house and contract laboratories using and automated sample control system; routinely analyzing samples using methods such as Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis (INAA), Energy-Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (EDXRF) and Wavelength Dispersive X-Ray Fluorescence (WDXRF), atomic absorption spectroscopy, and instrument analysis; validating both in-house and contract analytical techniques, monitoring contract chemistry data quality and validating contract chemistry analytical results; disseminating analytical results to staff scientists; administering the Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS) which is fully integrated with in-house laboratories and sample control; and maintaining and growing the national geochemical sample archive.

The Central Region Mineral Resources Science Center (CRMRSC) Analytical Chemistry project combines and coordinates the chemistry functions that are necessary for research and assessment projects within the USGS Geologic Discipline. Recurring efforts include: maintaining equipment and methods of analysis for in-house analytical chemistry work; offering a mechanism to prepare samples; contracting routine chemical requests to an outside laboratory; providing data quality control for both in-house and contract generated data; providing (INAA), delayed neutron, X-ray Fluorescence (XRF), and single element analysis. Long term efforts include continued support to the Geologic Discipline by providing these services and the modification of these analytical methods or administrative procedures to better meet the needs of the users in the Geologic Discipline.

References

Relevance & Impact

The Geologic Discipline in all three USGS regions require that several functions for chemistry be conducted across theme boundaries. Most of these single efforts are not large enough to support the instrumentation or the expertise needed to work on these tasks. However, when the entire Discipline is considered, then a chemistry support function that combines these efforts results in a cost efficient and necessary endeavor. This project provides chemical analysis services that support the efforts of the entire Geologic Discipline.

References to non-USGS products and services are provided for information only and do not constitute endorsement or warranty, express or implied, by the USGS, USDOI, or U.S. Government, as to their suitability, content, usefulness, functions, completeness, or accuracy.

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