Technique selection
Where time permits, MAGU staff will provide advice and help you select the most suitable available technique for the analytical work you may require. We strongly recommend, however, that you avail yourself of the relevant training programmes available within the School and other Schools with the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Sciences.
The table below shows typical applications of major techniques available – capabilities however do extend beyond the commonly analysed analyes and media listed.
Note: TDS = total dissolved solids.
| Instrument | Media | Typical Analytes | Typical Routine Detection Limits | Typical Sample Required | Comments |
| ICPAES | Water; Rock/ soil/ biological media digests |
Na,K,Ca,Mg, Ba,Sr, Fe, Mn, As, P,S, Si, Cu, Zn, Pb | 0.1 – 1 mg/L | 10 mL in 2 % HNO3 Maximum TDS 1 % |
Workhorse for determining major cationic components in waters or digests Key Contact: Paul Lythgoe |
| ICPMS | Water; Biological media digests |
Transition metals including Cu, Zn, Mo, Cr, Co; Pb, Pt, U, Pu, Ba, As | 0.001 – 0.01 mg/L | 10 mL in 2 % HNO3 Maximum TDS 0.1 % |
Trace element determinations in waters;
|
| ICICPMS | Water; Biological media digests |
As, Se, Cr species | 0.001 – 0.01 mg/L | 1 mL | Key Contact: Paul Lythgoe |
| IC | Water | Cl-, SO4--, NO3-, NO2-, Br, Ac-, VFAs | 0.01 – 0.1 mg/L | 2 mL; not acidified | Anionic components other than HCO3-, CO3— |