A Highly Sensitive Mass Spectrometer for Trace Analysis of Biomarker Molecules to Study Changes in Recent and Ancient Environments

Earth and life influence each other in profound ways. Understanding these processes that link geology and biology is crucial to predict and direct the future of our environment. To establish a new research group studying the interface between life and the environment we request funds for a high-end mass spectrometer for the identification of traces of biomarker molecules. The biomarkers extracted from recent and ancient lake sediments, estuaries, sea beds and soils will yield additional insight regarding the state and history of Australian ecosystems. The research will help us to understand and reduce toxic cyanobacterial blooms, extreme anoxia, contamination of reservoirs by run-off water and anthropogenic contamination of soil.