Geochemistry, rocks and ores

Scientists working in the field of inorganic geochemistry at the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources carry out projects and analyses covering all types of geological materials (e.g. rocks, ores, minerals, soils, water) and also residual materials from industrial and mining processes. An important topic concerns environmental research, developing and applying methods to differentiate geogenic content and anthropogenic input of inorganic pollutants into the environment. In this context, the determination of background values of trace elements in rocks, soils and water plays a vital role for the quantification and description (modelling) of substance- flows within the geosphere.

To support research projects and international scientific and technical co-operation, the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources is continuously optimizing the existing analytical methods in the fields of:

• ICP Optical Emission Spectrometry (ICP-OES)
• ICP Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)
• X-ray Fluorescence Analysis (WD-XRF)
• Determination of element species

Another task is providing scientific and analytical support for interdisciplinary geoscientific work of the Federal Institute for Geosciences and Natural Resources in marine and polar research, scientific and technical co-operation for development aid and resource prospecting and geotechnical safety.