Discrete wet chemistry analyzer

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The Department of Renewable Resources at the University of Alberta's focuses on the study and management of terrestrial landscapes and associated resources. Specific research interests of the co-applicants include soil biogeochemistry and organic matter processes (Quideau), the physics of water and chemical transport through soil (Kachanoski), ecological and ecophysiological basis of sustainable forestry (Macdonald), forest soil processes, soil microbial ecology and carbon sequestration (Chang), and forest physiology and ecology (Lieffers). Plant and soil nutrient analysis is critical for much of this research.  Nutrients, such as ammonium, nitrate, nitrite, and orthophosphate, play a crucial role in plant growth and development, therefore accurate and precise nutrient data are necessary for achieving our objectives related to forest, soil, and plant research.        We are proposing to replace two obsolete CFA instruments with one SmartChem Automated Discrete Analyzer which will provide much higher analytical capacity with greater precision, accuracy, and automated quality control checks not possible on the current instruments.   As co-applicants, we and our respective students have ongoing projects requiring the type of analyses preformed by the SmartChem. Currently, samples that cannot be analyzed with our existing CFA units, are being sent to outside commercial or academic laboratories. The requested upgrade would significantly benefit ongoing research by providing faster (and more cost effective) in-house analysis of samples as well as allowing for hands-on training for HQP.