Atmosphere
The BIOGRIP Node for Atmospheric Biogeochemistry is hosted by the North-West University (NWU) in partnership with the South African Weather Service. Its focus is on chemical, physical and biogeochemical processes related to natural and anthropogenic atmospheric interactions, as well as land-atmosphere and land-oceanic interactions.
The node is a consortium consisting of the Atmospheric Chemistry Research Group (ACRG) at NWU, the Cape Point Global Atmospheric Watch (GAW) station jointly facilitated by the World Meteorological Organisation (WMO) and South African Weather Service (SAWS), the Marine Biogeochemistry Lab (MBL) at the University of Cape Town (UCT), and the Welgegund Atmospheric Chemistry Station jointly facilitated by North West University and the Finnish Meteorological Institute. Both Welgegund near Potchefstroom and Cape Point are the most comprehensively equipped, continuously operating, long-term atmospheric research stations in southern Africa.
Atmospheric services
Download the analyte and analytical services available at this node, including details on how you can access these for your work.
Analyses offered
The Atmospheric Node is a consortium of partners enabling comprehensive analysis that includes those listed below. A full list of this node’s capabilities is available here.
aerosol and rainwater sample analysis
analyses of water-soluble ionic species, aerosol organic and elemental carbon and water-soluble mercury (Hg)
total organic carbon and total nitrogen (TOC,TN) measurements
measurements with detection limits of 4 μg/L, the highest level of sensitivity available
Laboratory equipment
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The Dionex ICS-3000 allows for atmospheric water-soluble ionic species analysis.
Sample requirements:
Aerosol samples gathered preferably on Teflon filters with the sampling volume (m³) known, or rainwater samples gathered with wet-only samplers.
Filter extraction conducted in-house at NWU.
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The Sunset OCEC Dual Optical lab instrument (version 6.4) enables aerosol organic carbon and elemental carbon analysis.
Sample requirements:
Aerosol samples gathered on appropriate quartz filters that were pre-baked prior to sampling.
Sampling volume (m³) must be known.
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The Tekran 2600-IVS system, which is a cold vapor atomic fluorescence spectrometer (CVAFS) comprising a gold amalgamation system, enables water soluble mercury (Hg) measurements.
Sample requirements:
Rainwater samples are collected directly into dedicated Hg-rainwater samplers comprising a pre-acidified glass bottle.
The sampler is equipped with a glass funnel and tube sample train, which is soaked in HCl for cleaning between samples.
The sample is preserved by adding either hydrochloric acid (HCl) or bromine monochloride (BrCl) solution.
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This TOC-L series of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) analysers enables analysis of aerosol organic and elemental carbon. The Shimadzu uses a 680°C combustion catalytic oxidation method, while providing an ultra-wide range of 4 μg/L to 30,000 mg/L.
This detection limit of 4 μg/L, is the highest level of detection sensitivity available with this method.
Sample requirements:
Aerosol samples gathered on Teflon or pre-baked glass fibre filters with known sampling volume (m³), or rainwater samples collected with wet-only samplers.
Filter extraction, other sample preparation and/or analysis to be conducted by the Marine Biogeochemistry Lab (MBL) at UCT.
Affiliated centres
The BIOGRIP Node for Atmospheric Biogeochemistry works closely in collaboration with several partners. To learn more about these arrangements visit the BIOGRIP Affiliated Centres.
Atmospheric Chemistry Research Group (ACRG)
The Atmospheric Chemistry Research Group (ACRG) focuses on studying the chemical composition and processes of the Earth's atmosphere to understand their effects on climate and air quality. They conduct field experiments, laboratory studies, and modeling to investigate sources, transformations, and impacts of atmospheric pollutants. Read more about the ACRG here.
Cape Point Global Atmospheric Watch Station (CPT GAW)
The Cape Point Global Atmospheric Watch Station (CPT GAW) is a premier monitoring facility located in South Africa, dedicated to tracking atmospheric composition and providing essential data on greenhouse gases and aerosols. Operated by the South African Weather Service, it plays a crucial role in global climate research and contributes to the World Meteorological Organization’s Global Atmosphere Watch programme. Read more about the CPT GAW here.
Marine Biogeochemistry Lab (MBL)
The Marine Biogeochemistry Lab at the University of Cape Town focuses on studying the chemical processes and biological interactions in marine environments, particularly how they influence oceanic carbon cycling and nutrient dynamics. Through interdisciplinary research, the lab aims to enhance understanding of ocean health and its role in global climate change. Read more about the MBL here.
Welgegund Atmospheric Chemistry Station
The Welgegund Atmospheric Chemistry Station is located in South Africa and serves as a key monitoring site for atmospheric composition, particularly focusing on trace gases and aerosols. It contributes valuable data to research on air quality, climate change and regional atmospheric processes, supporting both local and global scientific initiatives. Learn more about the station here.
