Multi-Element Analysis of Complex Matrices
Metals testing is vital in identifying and mitigating environmental contaminants.
We specialize in metals analysis across diverse matrices, including soil and various water types such as wastewater, groundwater, stormwater, and drinking water. By employing advanced analytical techniques, using premier top-tier quality analytical instrumentation, we deliver precise and reliable results that meet stringent regulatory requirements and environmental safety standards.
Our laboratory utilizes cutting-edge instrumentation, including Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), following SW846 6010B and EPA 200.7, and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), adhering to SW846 6020A and EPA 200.8. These methodologies enable the detection of both trace and high concentrations of metal contaminants, providing essential data for informed decision-making in environmental management.
Regulatory Compliance and Analytical Excellence
Metals in water and other matrices are subject to strict regulations aimed at minimizing environmental and human exposure to hazardous substances such as arsenic, lead, mercury, and other toxic metals.
Analytical methods like EPA 200.7 and SW846 6010B play a pivotal role in maintaining compliance with these standards.
To achieve unparalleled accuracy and sensitivity, we employ advanced techniques such as ICP-MS and ICP-OES for quantifying metals in complex matrices. For specialized applications, hyphenated methods like LC-ICP-MS or GC-ICP-MS provide chromatographic resolution critical for metal speciation analysis. These techniques enable the identification of specific metal species, offering deeper insights into their bioavailability and toxicity in environmental samples.
As a NELAC Accredited Environmental Testing Laboratory, Teklab is committed to excellence in metals analysis across a wide range of sample types. Our accreditation underscores our adherence to the highest standards of quality and compliance. Whether your needs involve regulatory testing or investigative research, our expertise and advanced methodologies ensure accurate, reliable, and actionable results.
Below is a summary of the metals testing services we provide, along with the associated methods:
- Soils and Solids
Inductively Coupled Plasma with methods SW846 6010B, EPA 200.7.
Inductively Coupled Plasma – Mass Spectrometry with methods SW846 6020A, EPA 200.8. - Oils
Inductively Coupled Plasma
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry - Shakes (ASTM D3987)
Inductively Coupled Plasma
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry - Synthetic Precipitation Leaching Procedure (SPLP)
Inductively Coupled Plasma
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry - Toxicity Characteristic Leaching Procedure (TCLP)
Inductively Coupled Plasma
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry - Waters/Aqueous (Wastewater, Groundwater, Stormwater, and Drinking Water)
Inductively Coupled Plasma
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry
Drinking Water by ICP
Drinking Water by ICP-MS - Wipes
Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mercury Analysis
High-Level Mercury in Soils and Solids
High-Level Mercury in Waters
Low-Level Mercury in Waters
The Role of ICP and ICP-MS in Metals Testing
Metals testing is a cornerstone of environmental monitoring, ensuring that samples such as water, soil, and air meet regulatory standards and are free from harmful levels of toxic metals. Advanced analytical techniques like Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) have revolutionized the field by offering unparalleled sensitivity, precision, and efficiency.
At the heart of metals testing is the ability to detect and quantify a wide range of metals at trace levels. Techniques like ICP and ICP-MS are particularly well-suited for this purpose. ICP uses a high-temperature plasma to excite atoms in the sample, producing light emissions at characteristic wavelengths. This allows for the detection and quantification of multiple elements simultaneously. ICP-MS takes this a step further by coupling the plasma with a mass spectrometer, enabling the identification and measurement of metals at ultra-trace levels. These methods are highly versatile, making them suitable for analyzing diverse sample types, including drinking water, industrial wastewater, soil, and even biological specimens. For example, ICP-MS can detect toxic metals like lead, mercury, arsenic, and cadmium at parts-per-trillion concentrations, making it an indispensable tool for regulatory compliance and risk assessment.
Quality control is an integral part of metals testing using ICP and ICP-MS. Accredited laboratories, like Teklab, follow stringent protocols to ensure accuracy and reliability. Calibration with certified reference materials, use of blanks to identify contamination, and regular performance checks of the instruments are standard practices. These measures ensure that results meet the highest standards of precision, providing confidence to clients and regulators alike. Data from ICP and ICP-MS testing is used for a variety of critical purposes. Regulatory agencies set strict limits on metal concentrations in environmental samples, and these techniques provide the data needed to demonstrate compliance. Whether it’s ensuring safe drinking water, monitoring industrial discharge, or assessing soil contamination at a remediation site, the insights provided by metals testing are invaluable.
The importance of metals testing cannot be overstated. Toxic metals like lead and mercury pose significant risks to human health and ecosystems, even at low concentrations. Their presence in drinking water, soil, or air can have far-reaching consequences, including neurological damage, developmental issues, and ecological harm. At Teklab, we leverage state-of-the-art ICP and ICP-MS technologies to provide accurate and reliable metals testing services.
Our commitment to quality and precision ensures that our clients receive the data they need to protect public health, meet regulatory requirements, and safeguard the environment. Whether for compliance, risk assessment, or remediation, Teklab is your trusted partner in metals testing.
