Commercial Sample Analysis



Our laboratory conducts analysis of commercial plant, tissue and soil samples for Carbon, Nitrogen and Phosphorus. Rates are listed below, with Internal Rates charged to FIU accounts, and External Rates charged to non-FIU clients. We analyze Carbon and Nitrogen on a CE Flash 1112 Elemental Analyzer. We analyze Phosphorus on a UV-2101 Shimadzu Spectrophotometer using a modified colorimetric method from Solorzano and Sharp (1980). Analysis time varies based upon the current queue, but is typically < 2 months. For more information about commercial sample analysis, please contact Dr. Jim Fourqurean at fourqure@fiu.edu.

All customers dropping off samples for analysis are required to submit a BCAL Chain of Custody Form. Please e-mail the completed form to the Laboratory Manager (Sara Wilson) at sawilson@fiu.edu, or turn in the form to the BCAL Chain of Custody folder, located on the door at VH 312, on FIU's MMC campus.

Downloadable Protocols and Datasheets
BCAL Carbon-Nitrogen Protocol
BCAL Carbon-Nitrogen Data Sheet
BCAL Phosphorus Protocol
BCAL Phosphorus Data Sheet

Rates below were updated in July 2018 and reflect prices for the Blue Carbon Analysis Laboratory recharge center at FIU.

Analysis TypeUnit BaseInternal RateExternal Rate*
Alkalinity Determination: Seawaterper sample$17$25
Alkalinity Determination: Freshwaterper sample$24$35
Loss on Ignition Analysisper sample$6$8
Lyophilizationper day$78$116
Sample Homogenizationper sample$7$11
Carbon and Nitrogen Determination: Weighed Onlyper sample$2$3
Carbon and Nitrogen Determination of Soil Samples: Run Onlyper sample$7$10
Carbon and Nitrogen Determination of Plant Samples: Run Onlyper sample$5$7
Carbon and Nitrogen Determination of Animal Samples: Run Onlyper sample$7$10
Phosphorus Determination: Weighed Onlyper sample$3$4
Phosphorus Determination of Soil Samples: Run Onlyper sample$6$9
Phosphorus Determination of Plant Samples: Run Onlyper sample$4$6
Phosphorus Determination of Animal Samples: Run Onlyper sample$6$9
Non-structural carbohydrate analysisper sample$23$34
Chlorophyll Determinationper sample$41$61
Training (Blue Carbon Analysis Techniques)per hour$137$202
Instrument Useper day$73$108
Shippingper day$72$106


*Before external (non-FIU) samples can be processed, a Service Agreement must be signed. Please contact Dr. Fourqurean to obtain a Service Agreement.



For other commercial labs affiliated with SERC, click here