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Laboratory for Environmental and Raw Materials Analysis (LERA)
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Laboratory for Environmental and Raw Materials Analysis (LERA)

 

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    • Solids
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    • Particle
  • Particle
    • Mass & Size
    • Mineralogy
    • Element composition
    • Mobile fraction
  • Start
  • Mass & particle size distribution
  • Mineralogy
  • Element contents
  • Mobile fraction

Particles, such as atmospheric dusts, suspension material or nanoparticles, play a significant role in human health as well as in the global transport of substances. In our laboratory we determine the mass of particles as well as the particle size distribution of a sample. The mineralogical composition allows a statement regarding the origin of the particles (geogenic, anthropogenic, but also assignment to lithological units). The analysis is supplemented by a comprehensive investigation of the element contents, which includes main and trace elements as well as other parameters. Often the mobile fraction is also of interest, which we can determine by leaching with appropriate solvents.

Particles, such as atmospheric dusts, suspension material or nanoparticles, play a significant role in human health as well as in the global transport of substances. We determine the particle mass gravimetrically. The exact weighing is performed in a climatic chamber (T: 21±1°C, relative humidity: 40%). The determination of the particle size distribution is performed for filter samples by optical microscopy in our laboratory or by partners at the DWD in Freiburg. For loose samples we use grading curves or for silty-clay samples an automated method based on the sedimentation rate.

We are happy to advise you on the right method for your problem.

Filter samples

Method

Parameter

Device

Gravimetry

Mass/quantity

Satorius SE2-F ultra-microbalance

Weighing range:
0.1 µg to 2.1 g

Repeatability:
< ± 0.25 µg

Optical microscopy

particle size, particle shape, particle type

various microscopes

Loose samples

Method

Parameter

Device

Sieving

Grain size composition, grading curves

Various sieves from silt to gravel (40 µm - 2 cm)

Sedimentation

Direct particle size distribution of silt fraction (2-63 µm);

Calculation with grading curve enables calculation of clay fraction

Pario, METER Group

The mineralogical composition allows a statement regarding the origin of the particles (geogenic, anthropogenic, but also assignment to lithological units). Furthermore, the mineralogical composition has an influence on transport behavior, abrasiveness, light scattering and risk to human health.

We can determine the mineralogy of your particles by X-ray diffraction (XRD) on ground powder samples or investigate it by polarized light microscopy or scanning electron microscopy (*REM; Petrology and Mineralogy Department). It is also possible to determine the mineralogy directly on suitable filters by means of the methods mentioned.

If you have any questions, we will be glad to help you.

Radiographic analysis (D8 Discover, Bruker)

Method

Sample material

Statement

Powder diffraction (XRD)

Pulverized particles: Amount > 10 mg - 2 g

Occupied acetate filters

Qualitative, semi-quantitative mineral stock

Texture preparations (unconditioned, glycolized, burned)

Gravimetrically separated clay constituents

Specific characterization of clay minerals, identification of swellable clay minerals


Microscopy

Method

Instrument

Statement

Polarized light microscopy

Various models

Mineral composition, grain size, grain shape,

Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) coupled with X-Ray Fluorescence*

Tescan Vega

High resolution information (nm to µm) on mineral composition, grain shape, surface texture, etc.

The elemental composition of the investigated particles, including multivariate statistical methods or enrichment factors, allows source identification. The calculation of the contribution of the particulate load in material flow calculations is also based on a precise knowledge of the chemical composition of the transported particles. Especially for atmospheric particles, the content of toxic elements must be known for a hazard assessment.

We enable the determination of their element contents in various particles either directly on the solid or after acid digestion by means of ICP-MS or ICP-OES. The elements that can be determined depend on the sample matrix, the element concentration and the method used. Specific individual particles can be examined by scanning electron microscopy (*REM; Department of Petrology and Mineralogy) after embedding and vapor deposition with regard to their elemental composition.

We will be pleased to advise you on your questions.


Procedure

Element spectrum

Device

X-ray fluorescence (XRF), angle dispersive,

Melting tablet

main elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg, Al, Si, Fe, Mn, Ti, P), loss on ignition

S4 Explorer, Bruker AXS

X-ray fluorescence (XRF), energy dispersive

Melt tablet/
powder bulk sample; filter samples

major elements (K, Ca, Fe, Mn, Ti)

div. trace elements

Epsilon 5, PANanlytical;

Epsilon 4, PANanlytical;

EDX 8000; Shimadzu

Carbon-sulfur analyzer (CSA)

TC, TOC, TIC, TS

CS-2000, ELTRA

Scanning electron microscope (SEM) coupled with X-ray fluorescence*.

High-resolution information (nm to µm) on mineral composition, grain shape, surface texture, etc.

Tescan Vega

Laser Ablation (LA)-ICP-MSHigh resolution geochemistry (µm range)Excimer+ Laser 193 nm (Teledyne Cetac)
ICP-MS (Element XR, Thermo Fisher)

div. digestions

Major and trace elements

ICP-MS (iCAP RQ, Thermo Fisher);
ICP-OES (Varian 715ES, iCAP 7000, Thermo Fisher)


Fine dust particles can penetrate deep into the lungs. There, the soluble components in particular pose an increased risk to human health. In the case of suspended material in rivers, it is of interest which elements can be mobilized, e.g. by changing the water composition (freshwater/saltwater; tributaries/tributaries).

We determine the mobile fractions in your particles by leaching with appropriate solvents (water, salt solution, dilute acids, etc.). These are then analyzed for the desired elements using our wet chemical methods.

We would be pleased to inform you about our possibilities.


Methods

Element spectrum /
Measuring range

Device

Metals

Multielement methods

ICP-MS

main elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg)

div. trace elements (e.g. Al, Au, Ag, As, B, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mn, Mo, Pb, P, Rb, Zn, U)

PGEs, SEE

ng/L to mg/L, ppt to ppm (depending on matrix/element)

iCAP RQ,
Thermo Fisher

ICP-OES


Major elements (Na, K, Ca, Mg)

Selected trace elements (e.g. Ba, Fe, Mn, S, Si, Sr)

also suitable for salt-heavy samples

µg /L to mg/L, ppb to ppm (depending on matrix/element)

Varian 715ES (radial)

iCAP 7000 (Thermo Fisher, Dual view)

Single element methods

AAS (flame)

Single elements

especially Na, K, Ca, Mg

mg/L, ppm - range

AAnalyst 200,
Perkin Elmer

AAS (graphite furnace)

Single elements

e.g. Pb, Cd, Mn, As, Se

µg/L, ppm - range

AAnalyst 600, Perkin Elmer

AAS (hydride, FIAS)

Se, As

µg/L, ppm - range

FIMS 400, coupled with AAnalyst 200. Perkin Elmer

Anions

Ion chromatography (IC)

F, Cl, Br, NO3-, PO43-, SO42-
>1 mg/L, ppm

Dionex, ICS-1000; separation column IonPac As14 Supressor ERS 500

Methrom, Compact IC 930; column Metrosep A Supp 5-150


Eluent NaHCO3/Na(CO3)2

Photometry


Phosphate (DIN En ISO 6878)
>0.1 mg/L, ppm

Chromate (US EPA et al. 1992) >0.1 mg/L, ppm

Lamda2, Perkin Elmer


last change: 2022-08-01
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