Environmental and Petroleum Geochemistry Laboratory (EPGL)

The Environmental and Petroleum Geochemistry Laboratory (EPGL) has been established in the Earth and Marine Sciences Institute (EMSI), which is one of the five institutes that are situated in the Marmara Research Center (MRC) of the Scientific and Technical Research Council of Turkey (TUBITAK). In addition to the existing facilities, both EMSI and EPGL draw on the analytical capabilities of the laboratories of other institutes of the MRC. The Center has over 400 research personnel serving the industry by conducting applied research projects demanded by and specific to the needs of the industry.
The Environmental and Petroleum Geochemistry Laboratory (EPGL) has been established mainly to serve in the fields of environmental and petroleum geochemistry. The aim of the laboratory is to conduct test and analysis to serve both applied research projects as well as industrial services. The operation in the laboratory is also in accordance with the ISO 9001 granted since December 2002. The instruments and the analysis capability of the EPGL are as follows;

Isotope Ratio Mass Spectrometer (IRMS):

This instrument (Micromass) may be regarded as a system consisted of three instruments, namely, an Elemental Analyzer (EA), a Gas Chromatograph (GC), and a Mass Spectrometer (MS); all coupled in order to provide continuous flow stable isotope analyses of gaseous, liquid and solid samples. Stable isotope analysis of Carbon (C), Nitrogen (N), Oxygen (O), and Sulfur (S) of organic or inorganic solid, liquid, or gas samples is possible. Compound specific 13C ratio analyses are also conducted.

Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometer (GC-MS):

The system (Micromass Quadropole) is used in compound identification, structure elucidation, characterization, source, origin, and correlation of fossil fuels and their sources as well as their pollutants in environmental samples..

Gas Chromatograph (GC):

This instrument (Shimadzu 17A) is used for determination of distribution and characterization of saturated and aromatic hydrocarbons in fossil fuels, environmental samples as well as refined products. Gaseous hydrocarbons are also be analyzed by help of attached headspace unit.

Rock-Eval Pyrolyser (RE)::

This system (Vinci Rock Eval 6 - Standard) consists of pyrolysis and oxidation ovens. RE analyses result include total organic carbon (TOC), inorganic (mineral) carbon, free hydrocarbons (S1), pyrolysable hydrocarbons (S2) and maximum temperature of organic matter degradation (Tmax) in a rock or soil sample. Owing to speed and economy of analyses, RE has quite wide application in petroleum and environmental geochemistry.

High Performance Liquid Chromatograph (HPLC):

The instrument (Biochrome) is being used for determination of petroleum fractions (saturated, aromatics and NSO) as well as quantitative determination of PAHs and major anions in water samples.

Research Microscope, equipped with Photometer:

The microscope (Leitz Orthoplan MPV SP) has been used successfully in visual characterization of organic matter in rocks and coals. The microscope has a rotating stage and equipped with UV and visible lamps for organic matter identification and a Photometer for vitrinite reflectance analysis. Observation both in transmitted and reflected light is possible.


For more information: Assoc.Prof. Sedat İnan (Sedat.Inan@mam.gov.tr)