Environmental Chemical Analysis Unit has focused on developing advanced analysis for a wide range of organic and inorganic chemicals in agricultural products and agri-environmental samples. Our team consists of analytical chemistry experts and have various type of analytical instruments. For organic chemicals, including organic microcontaminants and volatile components, we have equipped with GC-MS (quadrupole(Q), triple Q, double-focusing) and LC-MS (Q-TOF). For precision quantitative measurement of specific elements in the samples, we utilize ICP-MS, combined with HPLC or laser ablation system according to the needs. These systems enable quantification of nutrient salts and heavy metals, mapping the sample and sorting by chemical forms of elements. Stable isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS), a unique system for 13C, 15N, 18O abundance measurement, is used to study the dynamics and metabolism of elements in agroecosystem by natural abundance method and labeling experiments. These contribute to reducing greenhouse gases emitted from agroecosystems. We also have a scanning electron microscope (SEM), and a nuclear magnetic resonance spectrometer (NMR) for solid and multi-nucleus are available.
Data sets obtained by using these instruments and technologies will accelerate agricultural research, including agricultural breeding and greenhouse gas reduction. In addition, the unit provides support for the measurement and analysis of various chemicals. Thus, we are ready to collaborate with multiple research projects in/out of NARO on many issues related to agricultural products and agroecosystem.
