Department 220 – Environmental geochemistry and biogeochemistry

Section 222 – Section of stable isotopes

This section provides analysis of stable isotopes of light elements (H, C, N, O and S) and conducts research across the range of stable isotope science, including bioarchaeology, ecology (carbon, nitrogen and sulphur cycling and biogeochemistry), environmental geochemisty (identification and tracing of polutants), geology, hydrology/hydrogeology (water movement among the hydrosphere, biosphere and atmosphere) and paleoclimatology. In addition, the laboratory performs 'external' analyses for a wide range of researchers outside the Czech Geological Survey on cost recovery basis.

Section 223 – Section of geochemical hazards

The staff of this section is concerned with research into advanced methods for gathering hydrogeological and geochemical data to use in modelling processes and developing technologies in response to the increasingly strict legislation governing the protection of the rock environment and the quality of ground waters. This is carried out as part of the work of the Centre for Advanced Sanitation Technology and Processes. Another task is research and development of methods for radon risk assessment, including the compilation of maps covering the Czech Republic and cooperation in European programs to monitor radon risk. Monitoring geochemical and biogeochemical contamination of the environment by mining waste and the impact this has on the territory of the Czech Republic, as well as abroad, is also one of the tasks carried out by the section.

Section 224 – Biogeochemistry and climate change section

One of the primary tasks undertaken by this section is the investigation of chemical and biological processes governing the environment in relation to patterns of regional pollution and global environmental changes. For this purpose, the water circulation and the transport of chemical elements and compounds in a network of small catchments is being monitored. In addition to providing information about actual changes in the level of contamination in relation to changing environmental burdens, the data are used to model interactions in the rock-soil-water-atmosphere-biota system.

Section 227 – Section of Multicollector Mass Spectrometry MC ICP MS

The staff of this section is engaged in the development of new methods of isotope analysis using multi-collector mass spectrometry. They are also involved in using the geochemistry of stable isotopes to answer questions about biogeochemical and environmental processes. The laboratory also undertakes analyses for other internal and external customers in cooperation with the CGS Ultra Trace laboratory. So far, innovative methods for analysis of the isotopes of the elements Li, Sr, Pb, Cu, Zn, and Cr has been successfully introduced.