The radioisotope lab aboard the JOIDES Resolution consists of a 20 foot shipping container similar to UNOLS portable labs. The lab is located on the Focsle Deck aft of the chemistry and microbiology labs and is isolated from all laboratory spaces. The goal is to contain and restrict all use and storage of radioisotopes to the lab during an expedition.
The lab is divided into two rooms and each has a separate air conditioner. The lab has 115V and 208V power available. There is no running water or drains in the lab. All isotope waste (solid and liquid) is collected in containers and must be stored and disposed of properly. Samples containing radioisotopes will be sent to recipients but there are limits to the amount of isotopes that can be sent in shipments and will be discussed during expedition planning.
Access to the lab is restricted to the Lab Officers and scientists working with radioisotopes. All occupants must provide proof of radiation safety training from their home institution. Established protocols and procedures for using the lab will be reviewed with occupants prior to using the facility. The use of radioisotopes on the JOIDES Resolution falls under the rules and regulations described in the Texas A&M EHS Radionuclide Laboratory Procedure Manual, however, additional special considerations are made for the shipboard environment.
Equipment
- Liquid Scintillation Counter, Perkin Elmer Tri-Carb LSC 4910TR (2020)
- Two Low Temperature Incubators, -10°C to 60°C, Fisher Model 307C
- Two Under Counter Freezers
- Microcentrifuge, Beckman-Coulter Microfuge 16 with FX241.5P Rotor, 24 x 1.5–2.2 mL
- Microbalance, Cahn
- Pipettors
- Fume Hood
