I have been thinking hard about going out sampling today, but in the end I decided to run the snow samples and blanks that I have collected so far in order to not fall behind with my measurements. After labeling and putting them out of the freezer for melting, I was running my morning routine.
Today is “Plane Dayâ€, so the base is a bit of a beehive. Around 11.30 I went outside to take photos of the plane touching down on the gravel runway – an impressive picture. Otherwise I was busy with measurements. I was running snow samples and standards to determine the retention time on the recently clipped column. I have prepared solutions apart from each other and in well ventilated areas in order not to introduce any contamination into the snow samples.
After running individual compounds by injecting 0.5 μL of headspace from the ampoule I mixed – so far – 9 standards in a common stock solution. I had problems with solubility in water, which I solved by adding ethanol. This worked fine. From this stock I will prepare
dilutions and set-up calibration curves for all compounds under investigation.
I have also learned from the electricians that a new transformer will not be available until next week’s flight. That means that the MOUDI will stay at the GAW Lab for the week and I will also move the bio-sampler and use it with the mains-powered pump (because the batteries are too short-lived, when it is this cold (currently -10°C). For all other measurements I will stay at the (unheated) trailer.
Not enough bad news today – the other truck broke down on the way back and will be out of service until at least next week. We now have to use the only (replacement) truck – Nuuk. That means rescheduling and I have set-up a regimen, where I will run the MOUDI & bio-sampler alternately overnight (which is fine – the longer the better). This way I can do my other tasks within approx. 4-5 hrs, which is also the usual timeframe for work at the lab. It now seems unlikely that I will sample regularly at the BAY site. With just one truck and being alone it will be difficult. Bear tracks have been found in the vicinity and going out without a vehicle is too risky.I finished “early†today – at 10.30 p.m.
