RIHN conducts joint research in various regions in Japan and abroad, and handles a wide variety of research samples. By extracting various types of environmental information from these samples and comprehensively understanding the relationships among them, it is possible to clarify the interaction between humans and nature that is causing global environmental problems. Researchers from Japan and overseas (244 researchers from 60 institutions in FY2023) involved in research projects and the Environmental Isotope Study Collaborative Research Program conducted by RIHN are using the laboratory facilities at RIHN to conduct research aimed at solving global environmental problems.

RIHN has 18 laboratories. There is a clean room where samples are processed in a contamination-free environment, a low- temperature storage room where samples such as organisms and ice cores are stored, and a temperature-controlled room where organisms are grown in an artificially controlled environment. It enables the development of ongoing environmental research. In addition, we are focusing on advanced common equipment that is highly versatile and expected to develop into new global environmental research. In addition to experimental equipment such as microscopes and field observation equipment such as surveying equipment, stable isotope ratio mass spectrometers (IRMS) for light elements, a thermal ionization mass spectrometer (TIMS), a high-resolution multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS), an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS), a Cavity Ring-Down Spectroscopy for water isotope ratios, and a gamma-ray spectrometer for dating, etc. are installed. The information of analytical techniques and methods for identifying trace elements and stable isotopes have been developing rapidly in recent years, and we are equipped with state-of-the-art analytical equipment to acquire highly accurate information. For information on using common equipment, please visit the RIHN laboratory facilities website.

Laboratory Facilities

In research on the global environment, although the target regions and time scales are diverse, various elements make up ecosystems such as water, the atmosphere, organisms and soil; human activities and their history; and all human and natural phenomena.

Within the interacting ring, there is an inherent “fingerprint” of the stable isotope ratio of the element. RIHN has developed experimental equipment that can obtain this fingerprint information for various environmental substances and many elements. It is an important mission to conduct research that contributes to solving global environmental problems through these analyses. At RIHN, we call this research “Environmental Isotope Studies” and have been conducting joint research with researchers nationwide since 2012.

Environmental Isotope Study Collaborative Research Program