Gas Chromatograph - Mass Spectrometer for Molecular Biogeochemistry of Soil Organic Matter

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A gas chromatograph - mass spectrometer (GC-MS) is requested to support novel research in environmental science. The GC-MS system will be used to measure and monitor organic matter compounds in soil, sediment, and water to better understand how environmental change may alter the cycling of important elements, such as carbon and nitrogen in these environments. The instrument will also be used to study how sub-lethal contaminants alter the metabolism of keystone organisms in soil and water (environmental metabolomics). Metabolomics is a promising new approach to detect early warning signs of environmental deterioration. The requested GC-MS is a highly desirable tool for these research programs because it is very sensitive and can detect and quantify compounds at ultra-low levels and also be used to identify previously undiscovered (unknown) compounds. This instrument is also highly versatile and can be used to measure a variety of compounds with varying chemical structure. The GC-MS, which is a widely used tool in environmental chemistry, will also be used to train undergraduate and graduate students in cutting-edge methods for environmental monitoring. As such, the next generation of environmental scientists will be equipped with expertise in molecular-level analysis. The research equipment will therefore support novel training initiatives as well as pioneering research which aims to improve the fundamental understanding of environmental health and ensure the long-term sustainability of Canada's ecosystems.