Nutrient analyzer for an aquatic research platform

点击翻译按钮获取中文摘要

We are requesting a Lachat nutrient analyzer to measure various nitrogen (N) species (NO3-, NH4+, total dissolved nitrogen or total nitrogen) with a high level of precision in both surface and ground waters. Measuring N in freshwaters is of critical importance, since excess N loading to surface and ground waters around the world results in the alteration of the base of the food chain promoting eutrophication as well as the proliferation of toxic species and increases contaminant availability threatening ecosystem and human health. Projects that will be supported through the acquisition of this instrument will consider 1) the ecosystem service trade offs at the food-water nexus; 2) the influence of N pollution on the proliferation of toxic algal and cyanobacterial blooms; 3) the impact of nutrients on transfer of contaminants in the food chain affecting human health; 4) the role of nutrients and N species in altering the biogeochemical cycling of C in the St. Lawrence basin. This request replaces an essential instrument for the success and operations of the Université de Montréal’s Groupe de Recherche en Limnologie et environnement aquatique (GRIL-UdeM) aquatic lab facility. Currently there is no adequate alternative capacity for these measurements for members of this team. The HPQ trained using this instrumentation will be involved in cutting edge, world-class research. Furthermore services provided by our facility will be available to the broader community. Linking the complexities of N cycling to other biogeochemical cycles and ecological processes in freshwaters is a frontier in aquatic science, and this instrument will be essential to develop individual and broader programs in this creative perspective.