Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), is an analytical technique used for the detection of trace metals. The Environmental Science Research Laboratory utilizes a Perkin-Elmer Optima 7300DV ICP-OES apparatus that combines an SCD detector and an echelle optical system, which enables the unit to measure all wavelengths simultaneously – in the ultraviolet wavelength range from 165 to 403 nm, and in the visible wavelength range from 404 to 782 nm. Samples are introduced into the Optima 7300DV in an aqueous form. Solid samples need to undergo either an extraction or an acid digestion in order to yield a liquid sample for analysis.

Please discuss your procedure with laboratory personnel prior to sample extractions, as some methods may not be compatible with our system.

Elemental Analysis (EA) is a process that analyzes the elemental composition of a chemical compound. It examines the weight percent of each element in the compound to determine the compound’s composition. The Flash EA1112 set up in the ESRL instrument laboratory can analyze C, N and S by completely oxidizing the sample with a catalyst through combustion and further reducing the gases to produce CO2, N2 and SO2 under high-temperature reactor chambers.

The AQ2 system is a flexible analyzer that uses the principle of Discrete Analysis where each test occurs in a separate or discrete reaction vessel. The AQ2+ employs a robust robotic sampling arm working in conjunction with a stepper motor-driven syringe. The syringe is used for aspirating, dispensing and mixing accurate and precise quantities of sample and reagent into miniaturized test tubes, called reaction wells. The sample and reagents are incubated in the reaction wells for a pre-programmed time. A single aliquot is then transferred into the stop/flow Optical Quality Glass Cuvette. The absorbance of the reaction is read in a stationary optical bench to assure the best possible signal to noise ratio. SEAL AQ2 Methods are optimized to ensure that the chemical reaction is brought to full completion and steady state. This completed reaction exactly emulates both the Manual and the Segmented Flow Methods. Once the absorbance is read, the cuvette is thoroughly cleaned, eliminating any carry over or cross contamination.

The analysis of common anions in environmental water samples is one of the most frequently used applications of ion chromatography systems. The Environmental Sciences department makes use of ion-exchange separation of fluoride, chloride, nitrate, sulfate, bromide, nitrate, and phosphate by suppressed conductivity, using Dionex components. EPA Method 300.0 (Part A) and 300.1 (Part A) are the IC methods used on the system, with a carbonate/bicarbonate eluent carrying an aqueous sample through the resin column, yielding a conductive response for various anions.

Please discuss your procedure with laboratory personnel prior to sample extractions, as some methods may not be compatible with our system.

NPOC measurement is equivalent to TOC measurement using acidification and sparging (IC elimination) defined for official test methods (EPA, ASTM, EN, etc.). As any purgeable organic compounds may be lost from the sample during sparging, the TOC measured by this method can be called NPOC (Non-Purgeable Organic Carbon). Carbon dioxide is detected by an NDIR.

To measure the TN concentration of the sample, the relationship between the TN concentration and peak area is predetermined using a TN standard solution, with a chemiluminescence detector.