The Isotope Hydrology group of the Institute of Marine Biological Resources and Inland Waters of HCMR is excited to announce the arrival of our new ABB LGR GLA431 instrument, a state-of-the-art analyzer designed to determine the isotope ratios 18O/16O and 2H/1H in water samples by using laser absorption spectrometry. The instrument was acquired through the project entitled: ‘Cutting edge research and innovation on aquatic environment for fostering entrepreneurship and Blue Economy’, that was funded by the Operational Programme Attica: ‘Development of Infrastructure in critical areas of R&D sectors in accordance with the implementation of the RIS3 of the Attica Region’.
This advanced technology is introduced for the first time in HCMR and aims to enhance the activities of the Centre in the field of isotope hydrology.
Applications of the stable isotope ratios 18Ο/16Ο and 2Η/1Η
Stable isotopes of water represent natural tracers of the water cycle. Some of the applications include:
- Understanding of the mechanisms related to atmospheric circulation, atmospheric precipitation and climate variability.
- Understanding of the phenomena of surface water evaporation.
- Study of the origin and transit times of surface (rivers) and groundwater to atmospheric waters.
- Determining the origin, the mechanism and the recharge rate of aquifers to determine protection zones.
- Study of the hydraulic connectivity between water bodies (e.g. rivers, lakes, groundwater) in a watershed.
- Understanding of the origin of salinization in water bodies.
- Study of geothermal fields and paleoclimate.
With the arrival of the new instrument, the Isotope Hydrology group of HCMR aims to:
- Enhance studies on local, regional and global water cycle dynamics.
- Support sustainable water resource management by providing accurate isotope data.
- Promote collaborations with researchers and stakeholders on projects involving hydrology, hydrogeology, climate change, and environmental monitoring.