The contents of various elements in plant material, especially metals, often reflect their concentration in the soils on which the plants grow. Plants can thus be used as bioindicators. Elemental analysis can also be used to find out in which compartment the plant prefers to accumulate the respective element.

We analyse alkali and alkaline earth contents, as well as specific trace element concentrations (e.g. As, Se, Cd, PGEs) in acid digestions of dried plant material or cell suspensions. Depending on the element, we perform semi-open acid digestions or microwave digestions, which are subsequently analyzed by AAS, ICP-OES or ICP-MS. Platinum group elements must be specifically enriched by tellurium co-precipitation prior to analysis.

We will be pleased to advise you in order to determine the appropriate analysis for your problem.
 

The C and N isotopies of different plants, algae or phytoplankton differ significantly. The isotopy of the same plant at different sites can also differ significantly. The C and N isotopy in organic material in sediments and soils can be used, for example, to reconstruct the origin and composition of plant material at that site.

We analyse C and N isotopy (δ¹³C, δ¹⁵N) in dried plant material or in pulverised soils and sediments after expulsion of the carbonate carbon fraction.

We are happy to advise you to determine the appropriate analysis for your problem.