Atmospheric deposition
Trace substances and nutrients are transferred by precipitation into snow, ice and surface waters.
Hydrochemistry
Trace substances in natural waters.
The Hydrochemistry Laboratory investigates the origin, transport and storage of solutes in precipitation, snow, ice, lakes and Alpine headwaters.
Laboratory profile
From atmospheric deposition to permafrost
Since the 1990s, the laboratory has contributed to research on atmospheric deposition and on high-Alpine and Arctic snowpacks as temporary stores of pollutants and nutrients. This links precipitation and air chemistry to Alpine ecosystems.
Major solutes are analysed in precipitation, seasonal snow, glacier and rock-glacier ice, headwater lakes and streams using ion-exchange chromatography and established electrochemical methods.
Current questions
Water chemistry in a warming high-mountain environment.
The work combines laboratory analysis, field sampling and process understanding.
Rock glaciers & permafrost
Research examines how rock glaciers affect Alpine surface-water quality and where solutes in the ice matrix originate.
Analytical infrastructure
Ion chromatography and electrochemical methods provide robust concentrations for long-term and process studies.
UN
Hydrochemistry Laboratory · Direct scientific contact
Ulrike Nickus
Deputy Head of Department · Assistant Professor
- ulrike.nickus@uibk.ac.at
- Phone
- +43 512 507 54456
- Office
- Room 60809
- Address
- Bruno-Sander-Haus, 8th floor, Innrain 52f, 6020 Innsbruck, Austria