Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer coupled with High Pressure Liquid Chromatography HPLC-ICP-MS

The HPLC-ICP-MS is set-up for environmental studies in waters and soils. Speciation of arsenic in soil solutions and plants is measured to unravel processes acting in the rhizosphere of plants. Speciation of phosphorus in freshwater and soil extracts is measured with size exclusion chromatography coupled to ICP-MS (SEC-ICP-MS) to characterize colloidal forms of P. This tools is used in combination with P-uptake by algae to interpret P-bioavailability. Stable isotope dilution are used for toxic trace metals to identify metal fixation in soil and metal uptake pathways in field grown plants. The ICP-MS is used as stand-alone instrument for monitoring surface water quality in relation to carbon and nutrient fluxes in watersheds and in relation to ecological characteristics. Finally, the instrument is set up to monitor human exposure to toxic trace metals via the food chain.

Keywords:Phosphorus, Arsenic, Environmental studies

Disciplines:Soil sciences, challenges and pollution, Agriculture, land and farm management