Sample Preparation

Under certain circumstances samples will need to be processed prior to instrumental analysis.

  • Water samples will require acid digest when the turbidity measures above 1 NTU.
  • Solid samples will often require digestion or extraction.
  • At times detection limit requirements will require a preconcentration step such as a phase extraction and volume reduction, or a solid phase extraction.

Examples of the instrumentation the MAC has available for this type of work, as well as a few common examples, are shown below. Prior to accepting samples, the MAC will discuss sample preparation techniques with the client.

  • Analytes & Methods

    Extraction of organics from solids matrices—accelerated solvent extraction

    Extraction for organics from liquid samples (also preconcentration)—solid phase extraction

    Extraction of metal ions from solids and high turbidity water samples—microwave digestion

  • Available Instrumentation

    • Analytikjena Speed wave microwave digestion instrument
      (Duck 241)
    • Thermo accelerated solvent extraction instruments (ASE 350 and Extreva ASE)
      (JUB 318 & 320)
    • Dionex Auto trace 280 solid phase extraction instrument
      (JUB 211)

Rates

  Internal/UA clients External clients
Filtration for dissolved analytes $12.50 $17
Digestion—water samples $20 $28
Digestion—water samples $20 $28
Solvent extraction for solids/aqueous samples Contact MAC Contact MAC

The costs shown above are estimates, and will be discussed and agreed upon prior to sample analysis.

Contact us

For further inquiries, or to request an estimate, please email Shane Billings at UAF-INE-MAC@alaska.edu.