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WSLH ESS Inorganic Section

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Inorganic Chemistry | Trace Metals | Conventional Chemistry | Certification | Research

Ultra-trace Elements and Metals Testing Facility

The WSLH provides analysis of most ultra-trace elements and metals, low-level mercury (both total and methyl) and conventional chemistry to meet the needs of university and governmental agency researchers. The WSLH can provide a full package from ultra-trace metals sampling using "Clean Sampling Protocol," pioneered by the University of Wisconsin, to analysis in our state-of-the-art Trace Element Clean Laboratory (TECL) using standard protocols and EPA 1600 series methods to generate data with rigorous QA/QC checks and review. WLSH staff will work with prospective researchers to identify the appropriate analytical techniques required to meet the data quality objectives desired.

Unique Facilities

The TECL was designed to permit the analysis of ultra-trace metals in environmental samples at the part per trillion (ppt) levels.

  • Overall design is equivalent to class 5000, and work zones equivalent to class 10. All supply air to room is HEPA-filtered and maintains the room at positive pressure. An anteroom isolates the TECL from the rest of the laboratory. Room air is routinely monitored for particle counts and other environmental variables.
  • Constructed from primarily non-metallic materials to minimize metal contamination.  Any exposed metal components are epoxy coated.  
  • Houses three state-of-the-art ICP-MS Research grade atomic fluorescence spectrometer for ultra-trace metals analysis and two CVAFS detectors.
  • Contains all-plastic cabinetry, two laminar-flow clean benches, one HEPA filtered polypropylene exhausting hood, two polypropylene exhausting hoods and two high purity water polishing systems.
Clean room overview

 

VG PQ ExCell ICP-MS


VG PQ ExCell ICP-MS The VG PQ ExCell PlamaQuad is the one of the most powerful and flexible quadrapole based ICP-MS systems on the market. The instrument is a very sensitive multi-element instrument capable of quantification of a wide range of trace elements. Features include:

  • Fully automated Infinity lens which reduces background nose to 0.1 CPS and high signal-to-noise ratio Peltier-stabilized, inert, sample introduction system. Collision cell technology enables the selective attenuation of many of the traditionally problematic polyatomic interferences. Capable of quantifying elements at the ppt level. Fully interfaced HPLC to facilitate speciation of arsenic, chromium and selenium in environmental samples.
  • Housed in the TECL

 

VG PlasmaQuad PQ ICP-MS

VG PlasmaQuad PQ ICP-MS The VG PlasmaQuad PQ is a workhorse Quadrapole ICP-MS:

  • Very reliable ICP-MS Capable of quantifying elements at the ppt level Various sample introduction systems including ultrasonic and microconcentric nebulization facilitate analysis at levels that will meet the client's data quality objectives. Click here for a listing of detection capabilities.
  • Housed in the TECL

 

 

Cold-Vapor Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometer (CVAFS)

Atomic Fluorescence SpectrometerWe have two research-grade Brooks-Rand instruments dedicated to low level mercury analysis. We routinely analyze water, biological matter and soils.

  • One detector utilizes gold trap amalgam techniques for total mercury analysis and improved detection to 0.1 ηg/L.
  • We routinely follow EPA method 1631 for total mercury analysis of water.
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  • Our second detector utilizes Tenax traps for methyl mercury analysis in the pg/L range.
  • EPA method 1630 is followed for methyl mercury analysis of water.
  • Our 24-position methyl mercury distillation block can accommodate a large number of aqueous sample requests.