Send us a textThis episode takes a fun detour into the world of chemistry conspiracy theories! Mike Booth explores the science behind chemtrails vs. contrails and explains how you could actually test for elements like aluminum, barium, lead, and lithium in air samples using ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Learn practical tips for sample collection, how to avoid common interferences, and why trace analysis requires extra care with contamination control.
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11:56
Troubleshooting Tips: High Recoveries, Complex Mixes, and Chloride Digestion Challenges
Send us a textIn this episode, we tackle unexpected high recoveries, caused by internal standard signal timing during ICP analysis. Then we unpack a challenging multi-element blend, involving silver, tungsten, sulfur, rare earths, and more — plus how acid choices and order of addition impact stability. Finally, we dig into a sample prep puzzle for chloride analysis in iron phosphate, offering digestion strategies, matrix compatibility tips, and insights from Dr. Paul Gaines.These real-world cases are packed with lessons to improve your prep, analysis, and problem-solving in the lab.
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Troubleshooting Tips: Tune Solutions in Base and Trace Chloride in Silver Blends
Send us a textIn this episode, we dive into two real-world stability challenges from our lab. First, we explore a custom tune solution prepared in dilute ammonium hydroxide for ICP-MS, designed to improve lab efficiency. Learn how it performed over time and how to use it effectively for short-term use. Then, we dig into an unexpected silver instability in a low-level multi-element blend — traced back to residual chloride from chromium prep.From method design to trace contamination troubleshooting, this episode is full of practical lessons for anyone working with custom solutions or chasing long-term stability.
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Troubleshooting Tips: Mercury Recovery, High-Concentration Blends, and IC Stability
Send us a textExperiencing issues in your prep or analysis? This episode is full of practical advice to keep your data on track.Learn how to improve mercury recoveries, including best practices for stabilization in different matrices and container types. We also dive into designing high-concentration multi-element blends, highlighting unexpected incompatibilities and how acid concentration impacts stability. Finally, we discuss anion and IC standard preparation, covering pH control, contamination risks, and tips for preventing nitrite degradation and microbial growth.
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Technical Glossary Part 3: Speciation, Working Solutions, and Matrix Effects
Send us a textIn this episode, we wrap up our glossary discussions with a focus on element speciation — why ICP alone can't distinguish oxidation states and how chromatography can help. We also break down working solutions, explaining how to properly dilute stock standards for analysis. Plus, we discuss matrix effects, covering signal suppression, ionization buffers, and why matrix matching is critical for accuracy.
Join our host and Inorganic Ventures Technical Director, Mike Booth, as he sparks insightful conversations with our panel of experts in Bench Boost, your go-to podcast for analytical chemistry enthusiasts. Together, they explore the realm of ICP, sharing tips and tricks and diving deep into all things analytical chemistry.
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