CIMH Establishes First Isotope Laboratory in the Eastern Caribbean
BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Barbados-based Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH) has launched its new isotope laboratory, the first facility in the Eastern Caribbean to offer advanced isotopic analysis of precipitation, groundwater and surface water sample
CIMH team Twith the state-of-the-art Picarro L2130-i Isotope AnalyzerCIMH said that the facility had been established in partnership with the United Nations International Atomic Energy Agency (UN IAEA) and the Barbados government.
CIMH said that the groundbreaking development marks a significant milestone in the region’s climate and water research capabilities and that the new laboratory features a state-of-the-art Picarro L2130-i Isotope Analyzer, recognized for its exceptional precision in isotope ratio measurements, providing valuable insights into tracking the origins, history, and movement of water.
“The establishment of the isotope laboratory at the CIMH represents a major milestone in the region’s ability to better assess changes in precipitation as well as better assess and manage its water resources. With this cutting-edge technology, the region can now meticulously analyze rainfall origins, and identify critical recharge and discharge zones,” said Dr. David Farrell, CIMH principal.
“ The new instrument will significantly enhance CIMH’s climate and water research programmes and enable it to provide invaluable data for academia, policymakers and environmental managers,” he added.
CIMH’s chief hydrologist, Shawn Boyce, said Barbados, through the CIMH, has recently been reestablished as a contributor to the Global Network of Isotopes in Precipitation (GNIP), initiated in 1960 by the IAEA and the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), providing important data for regional and global models.
CIMH said the laboratory allows it to routinely analyze the samples collected in Barbados while contributing to the global database.
The CIMH said it is now well positioned and ready to assist Barbados and other member states of the Caribbean Meteorological Organization (CMO) with their water resource management efforts through access to a regional isotope hydrology facility.”
The development of the isotope laboratory was supported by expert training and mentorship provided by Dr. Jean-François Hélie, who is an IAEA expert from the Geotop Research Centre at the University of Québec in Montreal (UQAM).
His guidance was instrumental in preparing Ms. Megan Cox, CIMH’s Water Quality Specialist, with the specialized training required to operate the Picarro L2130-i Isotope Analyzer. T
CIMH said it has become an important partner for the IAEA technical cooperation programme in the Caribbean by providing expert services, such as supporting the response to the La Soufrière volcanic eruption in St. Vincent and the Grenadines and contributing to the wide network of Caribbean water professionals to enhance the impact of national and regional technical cooperation projects.
“The establishment of this isotope laboratory underscores CIMH’s dedication to advancing research and scientific knowledge in the Caribbean. It represents a significant step forward in improving water resource management and supporting sustainable development across the region.”
