METHODS

Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) The following elements are analyzed: Aluminum, Barium, Beryllium, Boron, Cadmium, Calcium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Silver, Silicon, Silver, Strontium, Tin, Vanadium, and Zinc.

ICP (EPA method 200.7) is a fast, reliable, multi-element technique. ICP does suffer from many spectral interferences of which most are known and corrected for, however, high levels of some elements may affect the reportable level of trace constituents.

An ICP Scan is typically requested when the composition of a sample is unknown. Since typical detection limits are 0.1 mg/L, this analysis is generally not useful for drinking water samples.

Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) The following elements can be analyzed: Aluminum, Antimony, Arsenic, Barium, Beryllium, Cadmium, Chromium, Cobalt, Copper, Lead, Manganese, Molybdenum, Nickel, Silver, Thallium, Uranium, Vanadium, and Zinc.

ICP-MS (EPA method 200.8) is a fast, reliable, multi-element technique. Detection limits are extremely low, and the technique suffers from few interferences. However, ICP-MS will not tolerate samples with high dissolved solids, therefore, analysis of environmental samples by ICP-MS is selective.

Graphite Furnace Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (GFAAS) Most elements can be analyzed by this technique. GFAAS offers extremely low detection limits, and most interference’s are known and corrected for (Zeeman background correction is used). However, GFAAS is a single-element analysis, and can result in longer turnaround times for samples with many analytical requests. EPA methods 200.9 (drinking waters) and 200 Series (environmental samples).

Flame Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (FAAS) Many elements can be analyzed by this technique. FAAS offers moderate detection limits (lower than ICP, but higher than GFAAS and ICP-MS, usually), and most interference’s are known and corrected for. Like GFAAS, this is a single-element analysis and can result in longer turnaround times. EPA 200 Series and Standard Methods 3100 Series.

Cold Vapor Atomic Absorption (CVAAS). Similar to FAAS, but the sample is liberated chemically instead of thermally from the surrounding matrix. For Mercury determinations only.

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