Research, services and training in elemental and isotopic geochemistry
The Pacific Centre for Isotopic and Geochemical Research (PCIGR) is a world-class integrated analytical facility that fosters leading-edge research in the natural sciences. Primarily focused on the Earth sciences when established in 2002, the facility’s capacity has since significantly evolved to include applications in fields ranging from archaeology to zoology, quite literally from ‘A’ to ‘Z’. The unique synergy of our 16 state-of-the-art instruments, sample preparation clean laboratories, resident research team, and highly qualified support staff makes PCIGR one of the world’s best analytical facilities. Our analytical versatility is unsurpassed, allowing users to attain high-precision element and isotope measurements throughout the periodic table, down to the micron-scale and nanogram level in a wide variety of substrates.
Our dedicated and highly-qualified team of 11 research and support staff design customized analytical solutions to meet specific needs and challenges (e.g. small sample sizes, low-level analyses) while adhering to the highest standards of quality assurance and quality control protocols. The PCIGR provides high-quality analytical instrumentation, services and training for investigators from universities across Canada, government agencies, the resource and environmental industries and the international community. In the past 10 years, the PCIGR has more than doubled its analytical capacity and become a global leader in analytical innovation and research excellence in geochemistry.
Sample preparation, Method development, Radiogenic isotope analysis, Heavy/transition metal and light stable isotope analysis, High-resolution elemental analysis (concentration), In situ laser ablation, Geochronology, Raman Spectroscopy
- Agriculture, animal science and food
- Arts and cultural industries
- Chemical industries
- Energy (renewable and fossil)
- Environmental technologies and related services
- Fisheries and aquaculture
- Forestry and forest-based industries
- Life sciences, pharmaceuticals and medical equipment
- Mining, minerals and metals
- Ocean industries
Specialized labs and equipment
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Specialized facility |
Equipment |
Function |
|---|---|---|
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nUBC |
Nu Plasma 1700 high-resolution multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer |
Radiogenic and heavy/transition metal stable isotopes, especially challenging isotope systems (e.g. Iron (Fe), Chromium (Cr), Silicon (Si)) |
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Nu Plasma II multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer |
Radiogenic (Neodymium (Nd), Hafnium (Hf), Lead (Pb)) and stable (Lithium (Li), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Molybdenum (Mo), Cadmium (Cd)) isotopes |
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Nu AttoM high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer |
Elemental analysis of most elements in solution at sub-ppt level; low-level isotopic analysis; in situ analysis coupled with laser ablation |
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Agilent 7700x quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer |
Trace elements, in solutions and solids (laser ablation) |
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Resonetics RESOlution M-50-LR laser |
In situ trace elements and Uranium-Lead (U-Pb) dating (laser ablation) |
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Nu thermal ionization mass spectrometer |
Strontium (Sr), Neodymium (Nd) isotopes |
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Clean Labs |
Three (3) low-level trace-metal Class 100 clean rooms with Class 100 laminar flow hoods |
Sample preparation in a certified clean environment, with strict gowning and access protocols, where airborne particles are controlled via specialized HEPA filters |
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LaserSpot |
Howiba XplorA Plus 532 nm Raman microscope |
Preparation, imaging, and data processing of both in-situ and micro-analysis |
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Nikon Eclipse Ci-POL petrographic microscope |
Preparation, imaging, and data processing of both in-situ and micro-analysis |
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Nikon SMZ18 binocular microscope with C-FDF light source |
Preparation, imaging, and data processing of both in-situ and micro-analysis |
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Nikon DS-Fi2 camera with Nikon Digital Sight DS-U3 |
Preparation, imaging, and data processing of both in-situ and micro-analysis |
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New Wave Research (ESI) MicroMill with Olympus SZ61 optics |
Preparation, imaging, and data processing of both in-situ and micro-analysis |
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Element Lab |
Element2 high-resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer |
Elemental analysis of most elements in solution at sub-ppt level; in situ analysis coupled with laser ablation |
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NWR193UC laser |
In situ trace elements (laser ablation) |
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MC-ICP-MS Lab |
Nu Plasma multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer |
Radiogenic (Neodymium (Nd), Hafnium (Hf), Lead (Pb)) and stable (Lithium (Li), Copper (Cu), Zinc (Zn), Molybdenum (Mo), Cadmium (Cd)) isotopes |
|
Radiogenic TIMS Lab |
Triton thermal ionization mass spectrometer |
Strontium (Sr), Neodymium (Nd) isotopes |
|
Stable Isotope Lab |
Delta isotope ratio mass spectrometers (2) |
Hydrogen (H), Carbon (C), Oxygen (O), Nitrogen (N) isotopes |
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Geochronology Lab |
VG354S thermal ionization mass spectrometer |
Uranium-Lead (U-Pb) dating |
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VG54R thermal ionization mass spectrometer |
Uranium-Lead (U-Pb) dating; Lead (Pb) isotopes |
| VG5400 noble gas mass spectrometer | Carbon Dioxide (CO2) laser Argon-Argon (Ar-Ar) dating |
Private and public sector research partners
R&D partners:
- Nu Instruments
- Savillex
MAGNET industry partners:
- Geosyntec Consultants
- Golder Associates
- Lorax Environmental
- Nu Instruments
- Teck Resources
BeeHIVE research partners:
- Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada
- BC Ministry of Agriculture
- Environment and Climate Change Canada
- Hives for Humanity
- Worker Bee Honey Company
Additional information
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Title |
URL |
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PCIGR publications |
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The accreted Wrangellia oceanic plateau in Alaska, Yukon and British Columbia |
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PCIGR posters and brochures |
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PCIGR video library |
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nUBC |
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Multidisciplinary Applied Geochemistry Network (MAGNET) |
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Bee Health, Impact, and Value in the Environment (BeeHIVE) UBC Research Excellence Cluster |
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Indigenous/Science UBC Research Excellence Cluster |