In the wet geochemistry laboratory we are using the ICP-AES and ICP-MS technologies to analyse major and trace elements in geological and archaeological related materials.

• Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES)
  ICP-AES is often the first method applied to quantitative analyses of solutions and solid samples. It can be used to determine major, minor, trace and rare earth multi-element compositions with a wide range of standard sample preparation procedures. Non-standard procedures and novel applications can also be accommodated.
• Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP–MS)
  ICP-MS is often the first method applied to quantitative analyses of solutions and solid samples. It can be used to determine minor, metal and trace multi-element compositions with a wide range of standard sample preparation procedures, including laser ablation. Non-standard procedures and novel applications can also be accommodated.

Analysis of Solutions

Ground- and surface-waters, landfill leachates, effluents and brines may be routinely analysed for: Ca, Na, K, Mg, Fe, Al, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sr, Ti, V, Y, and Zn, and in some cases, Si, S and P.

Analysis of Solids

Dissolution using a mixture of HF and HClO₄permits analysis of rocks, minerals, soils, sediments, glass, and ceramics for: Al₂O₃, Fe₂O₃, MgO, CaO, K₂O, Na₂O, MnO, P₂O₅, TiO₂, Ba, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Ni, Sc, Sr, V, Y, Zn and Zr. Semi-quantitative rare earth element data may also be obtainedFusion with LiBO₂ provides complete analyses to determine SiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MgO, CaO, K2O, Na2O, MnO, P2O5, TiO2, Ba, Sr, Y and Zr. Rare earth elements; La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb and Lu.

Recent examples

• River, lake and water borehole samples for heavy metals to assess water quality within former military and landfill sites.
• Arsenic in boreholes in Bangladesh.