New Equipment Seals Reputation of Trent's Water Quality Centre as a World-Class Facility
Unique mass spectrometer creates opportunities for cutting-edge isotope research
"This will definitely put Trent University on the map and cement our position as one of the leading environmental isotope facilities in the world," said Dr. R. Bastian Georg, senior research scientist at Trent's Water Quality Centre, as he admired the latest addition to the Centre's line-up of specialized equipment – a Nu-1700 high-resolution mass spectrometer.
The Nu-1700 is the only instrument of its kind, whose large size and powerful magnet make it capable of precisely analyzing the chemical composition of liquids, gases and solid materials that cannot be resolved with smaller spectrometers. Trent is only the eighth institution in the world to install a Nu-1700.
"This equipment will open up research in the field of isotope science that is considered cutting-edge and will allow us to tackle issues that other labs simply cannot do," Dr. Georg said, indicating research on selenium as a potential application.
"Selenium is very important in the environment because the biosphere needs the right amount of selenium to function properly," he said. "With this instrument, we can look at selenium isotopes and trace the biological pathways and the metabolic rate, which you can't do easily on a smaller instrument."
Dr. Georg noted that the Trent Water Quality Centre is already the most comprehensive mass spectrometry facility in Canada and has an international reputation. As an example, he cited the lab of Prof. Holter Hintelmann's mercury research group, which is considered one of the leading groups in the world.
"With the addition of this new piece of equipment, Trent now has one of the best-equipped isotope analytical facilities in the world," Dr. Georg said. "The Nu-1700 will attract post-docs and scientists who want to do cutting-edge isotopic research, and provide high-quality research opportunities for Trent students."
"The Nu-1700 is a fantastic addition to an already fantastic lab," said Dr. Karla Newman, research scientist. "We have a unique combination of inorganic and organic mass spectrometer facilities and you won't find that anywhere else in North America. It opens up really exciting science looking at the relationship between organic and inorganic components in the environment and that is where environmental science is heading."
"This really puts the cherry on the cake," added Dr. Georg.
Trent University’s Water Quality Centre is a state-of the art analytical facility, training facility, and research facility that attracts graduate students, post-doctoral fellows and scientists from institutions around the world, including Germany, Portugal, Spain, Russia, Barbados, Jamaica, Mexico, Argentina, South Africa, New Zealand and China.