Geochemical and Hydrological Processes Laboratory

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Activity

 
Our research focuses on the study of bio-geochemical and hydrological processes where fluids interact with minerals, microorganisms, and infrastructure. Inspired by nature, we engineer sustainable new solutions to address the most important challenges of our time: removal of CO2 from the atmosphere, mining critical elements for the energy transition, predicting the migration of emerging contaminants (nanoplastics and pathogens) in the environment, and improving the modelling of compound flooding in urban and coastal areas. We use a combination of computational and experimental tools including mathematical and numerical modeling, bio-geochemical modeling, and measurements at the laboratory and field scales.

 

 

Equipment

 
  • Set-up for particulate processes experiments which includes double-jacket reactor (Uniclave Büchiglas), pumps, online probes (pressure, temperature, and pH), and fraction collector (Gilson, FC204).
  • Column-flood system for reactive transport in porous media experiments which includes chromatographic column, pumps, online probes (pressure, temperature, and pH), and fraction collector (Gilson, FC204).
  • Microfluidic system for multiphase reactive transport experiments which includes fluorescence microscope, pumps, and real-rock micromodel.
  • Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS, triple quadrupole, Agilent 8900 QQQ) that can simultaneously accurately detect trace metals in the ppb-scale as well as major elements in the ppm-scale. Read more about our ICP-MS Lab.

 

 

Access

 
The following steps are required to access the laboratory:
  1. Authorization form for laboratory access.
  2. Acquisition of certificates upon completion of: General training (4 hours), specific training for high risk activities (12 hours), and specialized training for the correct use of the laboratory equipment and work procedures (Training report).
  3. Activation of budge by contacting the laboratory technician.

 

 

Location

 
University of Padova, Department of Geosciences, Via G. Gradenigo, 6 - 35131 Padova (Italy). Room 62 on the first floor.