Reference person
Valentina Prigiobbe

Activities

The Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) Laboratory performs multi-element analysis for the quantitative determination of most elements in the periodic table present at concentrations in the range of ppm (parts per million), ppb (parts per billion), and ppt (parts per trillion) in samples of complex matrices, both organic and inorganic, such as rocks, soils, sediments, leachates, and waters. The laboratory is equipped with an Agilent 8900 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer, featuring an autosampler, a Q1 cell with helium,and a collision/reaction cell with oxygen for the elimination of interferences. The instrument performs destructive analysis of aqueous solutions with a TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) >0.2%. Therefore, before analysis, solid samples are appropriately weighed and dissolved through a digestion with strong acids (40% HF and 65% HNO 3 ) carried out in the sample preparation laboratory and appropriately diluted. Liquid samples, before analysis, are filteredand acidified to obtain a 2% HNO 3 solution. In the case of excessively saline matrices, the sample undergoes further dilution within the instrument with an increased argon gas input.

Facility

• Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer Agilent 8900 operating under vacuum conditions
• SPS 4 Agilent Autosampler for 200 samples
• PC with Agilent MassHunter software
• Printer HP Laserjet Enterprose M507

Location

Department of Geosciences - via G. Gradenigo, 6 - 35131 Padova (Italy)
First Floor: 01-067

Contacts

RESPONSIBLE: Prof. Valentina Prigiobbe - e-mail: valentina.prigiobbe@unipd.it
TECHNICIAN: Dr. Valentina Brombin - e-mail: valentina.brombin@unipd.it 
Tel +39 049 8279155

Access Regulation

Details

Analysis request

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