Metals

The Metals Department uses various preparation techniques as defined in EPA-approved methodologies for analysis of aqueous, solid waste, and wipe samples. Advanced technologies - such as Autoblock and microwave digestion - are used in support with the traditional equipment of hotplates and water baths. Spectrum is in full compliance with EPA and various state agency QA/QC procedures. Samples are run on state-of-the-art instruments. The department has two Spectro ICP-OES's, one Perkin Elmer ICP-MS, and a Leeman cold vapor mercury analyzer.

ICP Mass Spectrometry has grown to become the technique of choice for trace level multi-elemental analysis in aqueous samples. Few laboratories have invested in this equipment, yet its capabilities for confirming data on metals such as iron and arsenic far exceed those of the more commonly-used ICP or GFAA.

Preparation Methods

• Acid Digestion of Waters for Total Recoverable or Dissolved Metals for Analysis by FLAA and ICP Spectroscopy (SW846 3005A)
• Acid Digestion of Sediments, Sludge, and Soils (SW846 3050B)
• EPA 200 series

Analysis Methods

• Inductively Coupled Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometry (SW846 6010)
• Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (SW846 6020)
• EPA 200.7 and 200.8
• Mercury in Liquid Waste (Manual Cold-Vapor Technique) (SW846 7470A)
• Mercury in Solid or Semisolid Waste (Manual Cold-Vapor Technique) (SW846 7471A)
• EPA 245.1 and 245.2

The department is also responsible for TCLP and SPLP leachate extraction for the entire laboratory. Several tests to determine the properties and characteristics of samples are also performed in this department: Penske-Martens closed cup method for ignitability (flashpoint), ignitability of solids, grain size (sieve analysis), and paint filter liquids test (free liquids). Niosh method 7300 can be performed on air samples provided that the correct cartridge has been used for sample collection.