Elemental Analysis and Sample Preparation Facility

Elemental Analysis Lady at Centrifuge 345 W 30 Oct

Our extensive analytical facilities support a diverse portfolio of research both within the UK and internationally for our customers and collaborators.

We can offer a support with sample preparation, sample digestion/extraction, elemental and isotopic analysis including analysis of the plant ionome.

The facility has experience with the preparation and analysis of a wide range of sample types including soils, waters, plant materials, foods, and human and animal blood and urine. Our team of technical staff are particularly experienced in the handling, preparation and analysis of large numbers of samples for international research projects. We hold an all countries import license for dried soil and plant samples.

Sample Preparation

Our sample preparation equipment includes centrifugal and cutting mills for plant samples, an agate ball mill for soil samples and a small ball mill (ZrO₂) for grinding of more complex sample types. We have a range of hotplate and microwave digestion facilities for sample digestion.

Analytical Equipment

Single and triple quadrupole ICP-MS instruments for multielement and isotopic analysis for most major and trace elements.

LC-ICP-MS for speciation analysis of selected elements e.g. As and Se.
DMA Mercury Analyser for mercury analysis.
LECO Instrument for determination of total carbon and nitrogen.
Shimadzu total organic carbon analyser.
Ion Chromatography for determination of anions (e.g. fluoride, chloride, nitrate, phosphate, sulphate).
Portable XRF