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Complete Solutions & Information Resources for Environmental Trace Metal Analysis

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Find environmental metal analysis application notes, blogs, articles and webinars at Thermo Fisher Scientific

13 Dec 2016
Sonia Nicholas
Managing Editor and Clinical Lead

Editorial article

Image: Shutterstock/Ruengwit

Editorial Review by Lois Manton O’Byrne, Editor, SelectScience®

Drinking water, wastewater, solid waste, soils and compost are all commonly tested for environmental metals. Different metals have unique properties and different methods of sample preparation, ionization and spectral interferences.

Different instruments are required for different environmental applications, this is dependent on variabilities such as sample throughput, matrices and regulation requirements. Read this blog post on trace elemental analysis to discover which instrument is best for your requirements. Written by Dr. Maura Rury, Trace Elemental Analysis, this article discusses regulatory requirements, how to choose the best technique for your applications, as well as factors to consider when choosing an instrument.

Figure 1: Flow chart to help guide product selection, from Part 1: Trace Elemental Analysis: Which Instrument is Best for You1


Sample preparation for metal analysis can be carried out on solid matrices, however most samples are analyzed in liquid form. Rapid and consistent sample preparation is a key requirement for producing good data quality and fast turnaround times. Learn more about sample preparation for trace metal analysis in this free webinar with Dr Daniel Kutscher and Sanja Asendorf, Thermo Fisher Scientific.

Improving metal analysis productivity is extremely important when analyzing large numbers of samples in big laboratories. The Thermo Fisher Scientific Trace Metal Analysis webpage contains numerous resources to help you to improve productivity. Download this application note to find out how the Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ 7000 Plus Series ICP-OES maintains long term analytical stability to save on operational costs.

Figure 2: Average RSDs of replicates and recovery range for stated element wavelengths in %2

You can also read a series of blog posts entitled ‘Your Elemental Analysis is Costing You More Than You Think’. These informative articles discuss ways in which a laboratory can maximize productivity and improve profitability.

Discover how to further maximize productivity byimproving matrix tolerance, by reading these application notes on analysis of high matrix samples using argon gas dilution, and automated sample preparation with the Thermo Scientific™ iCAP™ Q ICP-MS .

Nanoparticles analysis using ICP-MS has also been of increasing interest to environmental scientists in the last few years. With the emergence of nanotechnology in the early 1980s, an increasing number of so-called engineered nanomaterials have been created. Nanoparticles are used today in a variety of applications including medical, cosmetic, environmental and energy fields. As a proportion of these particles end up in our water supplies and food, there have been increasing concerns about their possible toxicity. Read this fascinating blog, Nanoparticles: A Storm in a Teacup or Something to Worry About, to learn about nanoparticle analysis using ICP-MS.

Visit the Thermo Fisher Scientific Metal Analysis page for more webinars, blog posts and technical notes.

References:

Blog Post: Trace Elemental Analysis: Which Instrument is Best for You?

Application Note: Highly stable performance of the Thermo Scientific iCAP 7000 Plus Series ICP-OES Radial for aqueous, organic and high dissolved solids sample matrices

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Ion ChromatographyIon chromatography, also known as ion exchange chromatography, is a high-performance liquid chromatographic technique used for the separation and identification of ions or polar molecules in a sample, including proteins, nucleotides and amino acids. Equipment includes ion exchange columns, ion exclusion columns, ion chromatography systems, pumps, and detectors. Find the best ion chromatography equipment in our peer-reviewed product directory: compare products, check customer reviews and receive pricing direct from manufacturers.Sample PreparationSample preparation can improve the quality and speed of separation techniques. Products to assist sample preparation include filtration equipment, evaporators, membranes and sieves.Mass SpectrometryMass spectrometry (MS) is a powerful analytical technique used to identify and quantify molecules based on the mass-to-charge ratio of gas-phase ions. It provides detailed information about the structure, composition, and properties of compounds and is widely used across fields such as environmental monitoring, materials science, drug discovery and development, food and beverage testing, and wider chemical research. Key MS techniques include tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS), liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry (LS-MS) and inductively coupled plasma (ICP-MS). Choosing from these wide range of techniques and technologies can be a daunting task, so keep up to date with scientific applications, performance expectations, and customer reviews here all in one place. Visit our product directory to receive quotes direct from the manufacturer. Environmental AnalysisEnvironmental analysis describes a variety of tests that determine the effect of chemicals, processes and particulates such as persistent organic pollutants (POPs) have on the environment.MetalsMetal analysis is critical in various industries, including environmental monitoring, food safety, and pharmaceuticals. Techniques such as ICP-MS and atomic absorption spectrometry are commonly used to detect trace metals. Explore metal analysis tools in our peer-reviewed product directory; compare products, check reviews, and get pricing directly from manufacturers.

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Complete Solutions & Information Resources for Environmental Trace Metal Analysis