Hydrogeology Lab
The Chair of Hydrogeology carries out research on groundwater related issues. Alongside a variety of computing platforms for numerical simulation, data processing and graphics visualization, we have established a new laboratory for hydro- and biogeochemical work in 2014. Here, we are able to perform a variety of analyses including quantification of anions and cations in water via ion chromatography (Thermo Fisher ICS1100) and the determination of dissolved and total organic carbon (DOC; TOC) via catalytic high-temperature combustion (Analytik Jena Multi N/C 3100). Lab instrumentation also includes a cavity ring down spectrometer (Los Gatos IWA-45EP) for the analysis of stable isotope ratios of hydrogen (δ2H) and oxygen (δ18O, δ17O) in water. Our laboratory also is equipped with a fluorescence spectrometer (Perkin Elmer LS 45) - its most common application is the analysis of fluorescence dyes for groundwater tracing. In addition, equipment for performing microbiological work under controlled aerobic and anaerobic redox conditions is available.
Recently we have extended our analytical equipment with a Gas chromatograph (GC) from Thermo Scientific (Modell Trace 1300). This equipment is used in our laboratory for analyzing compounds such as methane and pestizedes.
In addition, in 2017 we have built up a new analytical tool in our laboratory to measure δ13C for methane (CH4) and carbon dioxide (CO2). The Picarro Analyzer offers a high-precision, real-time carbon isotope information from methane and carbon dioxide at ambient concentrations. In this context the chair will investigate the anaerobic oxidation of methane in groundwater systems.
In 2020 the Chair of Hydrogeology has successfully applied at DFG for a Picarro G5131-i isotopic and gas concentration analyzer that enables simultaneous measurements of site specific and bulk δ15N and δ18O in N2O. Measurements of nitrate, nitrite and ammonium in surface water and groundwater will help to better understand the N cylce in aquatic habitats.
We also have built up a hydraulic laboratory equipped with peristaltic pumps, 2D flow tanks and columns as well as a fraction collector. We also can perform slug- and pumping tests to characterize aquifer properties. For field work we are also equipped with mobile sensors and field laboratory kits for physical and chemical measurements as well as on‑site hydrochemical analysis.
