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.