Geochemistry Lab

The RWI Geochemistry Lab is devoted to the chemical analyses of solid phases (rocks, soils, minerals, cement, bentonite etc.) after performing various selective or complete extraction and digestion techniques. Depending on the given problem a complete or element-specific so-called "wet chemical" analysis of a solid material can be produced. The analytical techniques applied to digest and extract solutions are the same as for groundwater samples with the analytical methods accounting for the different solution matrices.

Geochemistry Lab
Geochemistry Lab
  • Aqueous extraction tests of solid materials at various solid/liquid ratios under ambient and oxygen-free conditions.
  • TVA extraction tests according to the Swiss Ordinance of Waste Disposal (TVA, Swiss Confederation, 1990) and the Contaminated Sites Ordinance (AltlV, Swiss Confederation, 1998).
  • Hot-alkaline extraction test for the specific extraction of CrVI (adapted US EPA method 3060A).
  • Microwave-supported complete acid digestion of solid materials under ambient and semi-controlled atmosphere for the analysis of the bulk compositions or specific elemental concentrations in solid materials.
  • Complete acid digestion of solid materials under controlled atmosphere for the analysis of redox-specific elements in solid materials (e.g. FeII/FeIII).
  • Determination of cation exchange capacity (CEC) and exchangeable cation population of rocks, soils and minerals by extraction tests with highly selective metallic complexes (e.g. Ni-en, Co-hex).
  • Various exhaust fumes with acid cleaning systems and suitable materials for work with perchloric acid.
  • Microwave-supported acid digestion system [MLS Ethos].
  • Large-scale gloveboxes for work under oxygen-free conditions.
  • Various analytical balances of different precision and accuracy.
  • Various equipment for extraction tests, batch and column experiments etc.
  • Analytical capability as in the RWI Hydrochemistry Lab.