ICP-AES

The liquid sample is transformed into an aerosol by collision with an argon gas flow. The resulting aerosol is introduced into a high-temperature argon plasma. The purpose is to break down molecular structures and convert the elements into atomic vapor. Electrons are then excited to higher energy states. This excited state is unstable, and atoms naturally tend to return to their ground state. The excess energy is released as radiation (a spectrum) at wavelengths that are characteristic of each element.

This spectrum passes through an optical system, which separates the wavelengths using a crossed-dispersion system composed of a diffraction grating and a prism. The beam is then focused and redirected, via a mirror, toward a CCD-type detector, allowing simultaneous analysis of the entire spectrum.

This instrument is dedicated to total elemental analysis of liquid samples such as water, acid digests, and soil extractions using salt solutions (KCl, BaCl₂, CH₃COONH₄ [Ammonium acetate], TAMM [Oxalic acid + Ammonium oxalate]).

The detection range spans from a few ppb (µg·L⁻¹) to several tens of ppm (mg·L⁻¹). The most commonly measured elements (depending on the sample matrix) include:

• Aluminum (Al)
• Barium (Ba)
• Calcium (Ca)
• Cadmium (Cd)
• Chromium (Cr)
• Copper (Cu)
• Iron (Fe)
• Gallium (Ga)
• Germanium (Ge)
• Potassium (K)
• Magnesium (Mg)
• Manganese (Mn)
• Sodium (Na)
• Nickel (Ni)
• Phosphorus (P)
• Lead (Pb)
• Rubidium (Rb)
• Sulfur (S)
• Silicon (Si)
• Strontium (Sr)
• Zinc (Zn)
   

Applications:

• Effects of tree species and soil properties on biogeochemical cycles, soil durability, tree growth, and nutrition.
• Impact of fertilization and soil amendments on the restoration or maintenance of forest fertility.

Contact:

• Equipments coordinator: Benoît POLLIER benoit.pollier@inrae.fr
• Unit coordinator: Bastien Gerard bastien.gerard@inrae.fr - Loïc LOUIS loic.louis@inrae.fr