The Center for Elemental Mass Spectrometry (CEMS) is a core analytical facility and cost center at the University of South Carolina. The facility is run by a full-time laboratory manager and used primarily by faculty and students in the Department of Earth & Ocean Sciences. The focus of our research is geochemistry and chemical oceanography. Plasma-source mass spectrometers are the heart of the CEMS facility. We use these for trace metal and isotope ratio measurements on a wide variety of sample types, including rocks and minerals, sediments, fossils, soils, organic material, seawater, groundwater, surface water,
and microscopic marine organisms. The goal of our work is to understand the physical and chemical processes that shape the solid earth, the world's oceans,
and our environment. CEMS also does a variety of work on a fee basis for individuals and organizations from outside of the University of South Carolina. Please contact us if you have an interest in using the facility, or if you have comments, questions, or ideas.