Trace Metals Laboratory
The determination of trace metals is carried out using a Thermo X Series II Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer (ICP-MS). The instrument is equipped with a Collision Cell Technology (CCT).
The routines of the laboratory have been developed with a focus on natural science applications:
- Determination of Dissolved Trace metals (Cd, Co, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in the water column. Water samples’ pretreatment and the trace metal preconcentration are carried out in a clean room environment (class 10,000 US Stds) using trace metals clean handling techniques. The preconcentration step is based on a solid phase extraction using a micro-column of the Toyopearl Chelate resin. An off-line semi-automated manifold is used for this purpose. Quality assurance and quality control of laboratory performance is achieved by the participation in the QUASIMEME inter-laboratory exercise and the use of certified seawater reference materials (CRM-NRCC).
- Determination of Trace Metals and Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in sediments is carried out after total dissolution of the samples with a microwave induced acid digestion. The accuracy of the analysis is confirmed through the participation in international intercalibration exercises (IAEA) and the use of certified reference materials.
- Determination of Lead Isotope Ratios in sediments after a microwave acid digestion of the sediment samples. The accuracy of the analysis is confirmed by certified reference materials.
