USGS Home
Contact USGS
Search USGS

In-House Chemistry Support Services

Task Objectives

The primary purpose of this task is to provide routine single element analyses and common laboratory support services such as the purchase of liquified and compressed gases, the maintenance and repair of laboratory instrumentation, and the purchase of laboratory supplies such as acids, solvents, glassware, etc. Single element analyses which are performed include: carbon, organic carbon, inorganic carbon, sulfur, Hg, As, Se, and Sb. In addition to housing the single element analytical capability, this task serves as a clearing house for the puchase of laboratory supplies and consumables that are paid for via reimbusement from other topical projects.

Statement of Work

This task provides for accurate and precise analyses for the determination of: total carbon (by combustion): inorganic carbon (by coulometric titration); organic carbon (by difference), sulfur (by combustion); Mg (by continuous flow-cold vapor-atomic absorption spectrometry); and As, Se, and Sb (by flow injection or continuous flow-hydride generation-atomic absorption spectrometry). For the common laboratory support services aspect the task provides for the purchase of liquified and compressed gases, via a single contract, that are used by several in-house chemistry projects within the Mineral Resources Team. By consolidating gas purchases and cylinder rental fees into one contract, economies of scale are gained as well as providing a centralized record keeping of demurrage charges. This task also serves as a clearing house for the purchase of common laboratory consumables that are required by a particular topical project. The annual calibration of analytical balances by an independent contractor, in accordance with provisions of Mineral Resources quality assurance protocols, are coordinated within this task.

Return to top of this page | Previous Task | Next Task | Task List