The MCLinc laboratory facility is equipped with an array of chromatography techniques including GC and IC.
- Gas Chromatography (GC) involves injecting a sample into a gas chromatograph which volatilizes the sample, then separates the various components of the sample based on size and/or polarity. The separated components then go into a detector. Mass spectrum allows for the identification of the components using standard reference libraries. The resulting chromatogram allows quantification of organic components.
- Ion chromatography (IC) is a form of liquid chromatography used to measure concentrations of ionic species by separating them based on their interaction with a resin. IC is used primarily for water chemistry analysis. Ion chromatographs are able to measure concentrations of organic acids and major anions/cations in the parts-per-billion (ppb) range.