The soil which consists of variable ratios of layer silicates, iron oxides, aluminum, manganese and organic compounds, has a wide range of surface and absorption characteristics of heavy metals. The most important chemical reactions have influence on behavior and metal availability for plants are absorption reactions of metals from liquid phase on solid surfaces which control the concentration of metal soil soluble ions and complexes as well as absorption of plants. In fact, the effects of heavy metals greatly depend on the strength of soil absorption and maintenance of these elements.
In order to achieve goals, the establishment of a modern research laboratory is essential. Therefore, on Applied Research Center of Geological Survey of Iran, Geobutany laboratory intends to introduce equipments with above purposes: 

Main Activities of Geobotany Laboratory
1. Detailed study of soils & threshold of mineral concentrations  as well as their environmental anomaly based upon medical environmental standards
2. Full study of biotic variety of plant species on region of interest such as species and units of plant subspecies, predominant and trace germination forms, photo identification keys and dispersion maps
3. Plant studies on  region of interest for identification of predominant species
4. Autecology studies on plants which are resistant against certain pollutions emphasized on pedology of region such as concentration of elements such as heavy metals.
5. Measurement of Concentration of elements especially heavy metals in different parts of plants and their consumption by living creatures
6. Study of effects of environmental factors on anatomy of plants
7. Study of test & standard techniques applied for each step and on different parts

This laboratory consists of 3 chromatography system as below:
1. Varian CP3800 Gas Chromatography consists of 2 injectors with nonpolar capillary column which its body is made up of Fuse silica. Note that sample is injected by syringe.
2. Kenauer Smart Line HPLC is type of Reveres Phase consists of UV-VIS detector. Note that sample is injected by syringe.

In all these systems, chromatography systems are used to separate samples which have the most accuracy and analysis speed in the world. Although GC and GC Mass systems are used to analyze all volatile samples, HPLC to analyze liquid samples, too. Using these systems, analysis of wide range of plant extracts will be possible in this laboratory.
1. HPLC- HPLC is used to qualitative and quantitative measurement of organic compounds, 40% mineral and organic pollutants in mine explorations, PAHs and toxics in all organic and inorganic materials. Kenauer Smart Line HPLC is type of Reveres Phase consists of UV-VIS detector. Note that sample is injected by syringe.In all these systems, chromatography systems are used to separate samples which have the most accuracy and analysis speed in the world. Although GC and GC Mass systems are used to analyze all volatile samples, HPLC to analyze liquid samples, too. Using these systems, analysis of wide range of plant extracts will be possible in this laboratory.
2. GC systems (with ECD and NPD detectors): GC systems are used to measure all agricultural pesticides especially organo phosphors and nitrates/ PCB as one of the most important industrial pollutants in water/ Ph measurement including a wide range spectra of crude oil materials. Varian CP3800 Gas Chromatography consists of 2 injectors with nonpolar capillary column which its body is made of Fuse silica. Note that sample is injected by syringe.
3. GC MASS: Varian Saturn 2200 GC Mass is used to measure the unknown materials and consists of one injector with capillary column. The body of this column is made up of Fuse Silica.
4. Macrowaves: These instruments are used to very fast and easy preparation of samples which their heavy metals are to be measured.
5. UV-VIS Spectrophotometer: This instrument is used to measure organic and inorganic materials which absorbs on UV-VIS range. In addition, they are used to analyze the animal and plant samples as well as type of toxics (CARRY 100- VARIAN). 
6.  FT-IR: This instrument is used to determine the organic carbons, type of molecule and molecule bands. Using FT-IR, samples are analyzed by drawing spectra of material of interest. (SHIMADZU)
7. Ion Chromatography: This system is used to very precise analysis of water cations and onions.
8. Rotary & Separator: These instruments are used to concentrate the plant extracts.