Plasma Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES)

Performed activities:

Qualitative and quantitative geochemical analyses of geological samples (rocks, minerals, natural, thermal, underground and marine waters). Analyses are carried out within the framework of Department research projects, services for third parties and research agreements.

Available Equipments:

ICP-OES Avio 200 Perkin-Elmer optical emission spectrometer

Mettler AC 100 analytical balance

ICP-OES (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Optical Emission Spectroscopy

This analytical technique is used to determine the qualitative and quantitative elemental composition of samples generally in the liquid state. As far as polymeric samples are concerned it is necessary to follow a careful sample preparation procedure, consisting of a mineralization step. The analytical data are obtained by introducing the sample in the nebulizer where it is converted into an aerosol of droplets through a process called nebulization. The aerosol is then transported to the plasma where the atoms and ions undergo an excitation process followed by the emission of characteristic radiations. The radiation is detected and converted into an electrical signal which is used to trace and identify the analyte that emitted this radiation and, after the construction of an appropriate calibration curve, to its concentration.