LABORATORY OF GEOCHEMISTRY & ECONOMIC GEOLOGY

		The Laboratory of the Geochemistry and Economic Geology Section belongs to the Faculty of Geology of the National and Kapodestrian University of Athens. The main Laboratory objective is on the Development of Educational and Research Activities in the fields of the Environmental Geochemistry, Applied Geochemistry and Economic Geology. Regarding the environmental studies, the Laboratory is mainly focused on:

THE LABORATORY ACTIVITIES

		Geochemical Investigations of Soils (Sampling, chemical analyses of soil, statistical analyses and implementation of the results, mapping of geochemical distribution of various elements). Geochemical Research of Sentiments of the Drainage Pattern (Sampling, Chemical analyses of sentiments, statistical analyses and results implementation, mapping of geochemical distribution of various elements). Hydro-Geochemical & Hydro-Geological Research (Water sampling and Chemical analyses, Drawing Hydro-chemical maps, spatial distribution of various elements, drawing water quality charts statistical analyses and results implementation). Geo-botanical & Bio-geochemical Research (sampling plantation, chemical analyses of plants, statistical analyses and results implementation, mapping of Bio-chemical distribution of various chemical elements). Litho-geochemical Research (Sampling, chemical analyses of rocks, statistical analyses and results implementation, mapping of geochemical distribution of various chemical elements).

LABORATORY FACILITIES

In the Department of Economic Geology and Geochemistry, there are the following laboratory facilities that serving not only the research and educational needs of the stuff of the Department and the Laboratory of Geochemistry, but also the needs of other Departments of the Faculty of Geology:

		Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Unit (Perkin Elmer) containing two systems of atomization: Flame Atomizer System and Pyrolytically Coated Graphite Electrothermal Atomizer System, with the capability of the following elements: Major elements: Ca, Mg, Al, Si, Mn, Ti Trace elements: Ni, Co, Cr, Cu, Zn, Pb, Cd, Ga, Sr, V, As,Sb Also elements like: Au, Ag, Pt, Pb in various raw materials (rocks, ores, minerals, soils, ceramics, plants, e.g.) and in water (springs-water, lake-water, sea-water and drilling-water).
		Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry Unit (ICP-OES) (JOBIN YVON 38S) capable for chemical analyzing soils, rocks ores and water.



	Flame Photometry instrument for the determination of K, and Na in various raw materials (rocks, ores, minerals, soils, ceramics, plants, e.g.) and in water (springs-water, lake-water, sea-water and drilling-water). Absorption of Visible Spectra Spectrometry instrument for the determination of Si, P and B, Cu, Pb, Mn also, in the above mentioned materials. Portable chemical laboratory for water analyses with capabilities for the determination of all its parameters such as: Conductivity Ph Alkalinity Hardness Cations (Ca²⁺, Mg²⁺, K⁺, Na⁺) Anions and radix (e.g. Cl-, NO₃^-, ΝΟ₂^-_,SO₄^2-, HCO₃^-, CO₃^2-). Chemical oxygen demand (COD) Biochemical oxygen demand (BOD) Total organic carbon (TOC) Chromium total and Hexavalent (both in water and in soil) Spectrometry instruments (HACH DR/2000, DR/4000 HACH, DR/850 HACH ) for determination of the above chemical parameters).

		Various Laboratory equipments for the support of various analytical methods as the above. That is: High temp Furnaces (up to 14000 C) capable for firing, syntexis e.g. Analytical balances Steam-Bath, hydro-bath, Sand-bath, Thermo-tables, Magnetic-tables, Centrifugation Instrument, Distillation’s Equipment for the production of distilled water

		Scanning electron microscope with energy dispersive detector, capable for microprobe analyses of: Rock forming minerals Ore minerals

Equipment for the production of Ore Microscopy Specimens

X-Ray Fluorescence Spectrometer (Siemens 3005) for chemical analyses of soils, rocks and ore samples.

		Two X-ray Diffraction Spectroscopy Instruments for mineralogical determinations

EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES OF THE LABORATORY

In the undergraduate level in the Department of Economic Geology and Geochemistry the following courses are being taught by the scientific staff: Geochemistry Applied and Environmental Geochemistry Special Geochemical subjects Ore Geology Ore energy resources Mineralization Methods’ Analyses of the raw materials Industrial Minerals

RESEARCH ACTIVITIES AND TASKS OF THE LABORATORY CONCERNING THE ENVIRONMENTAL RESEARCH.

The most important Applied Research Programs that were either accomplished by the Laboratory of Geochemistry, or are still under development are the following: Assessment of soils quality in the Stratoni area (TVX HELLAS) Environmental – Soil Geochemistry study in the area owned by Motor Oil S.A. Geochemical Environmental study of sea sentiments in the Agioi Theodoroi area, Korinthos (MOTOR OIL S.A.). Environmental study of subterranean water and river sentiments in the area of Grammatiko, Attiki (Municipality of Grammatiko). Geochemical Dispersion of metallic and non-metallic elements in soils of Attik. Mesogia area (International Airport of Athens “Eleftherios Venizelos”). Environmental – Hydrochemical study in areas of the Eastern Attica (International Airport of Athens “Eleftherios Venizelos”). Soil geochemical Research and Environmental Applications in Keratea area, Attika. Geo-morphological and Environmental study of the Thriasio Pedio area (PhD study). The impact of Environmental Pollution from heavy metals in the areas of ore exploitation to the health of the local population at Laureotiki area (PhD Thesis). Environmental and Hydro-chemical study of the subterranean aquifer horizons in areas of Olympia, Ilias (Municipality of Olympia). Environmental Impact of metals from the weathering of ultramafic rocks, Iron-Nickel Ores and Ore exploitation in the Triada area, Psachna, Evoea (Municipality of Psachna).

The Laboratory of the Geochemistry and Economic Geology Section belongs to the Faculty of Geology of the National and Kapodestrian University of Athens.