Even advanced techniques such as ICP-MS are built upon the foundation supplied by an accurate scale.

With today’s array of sophisticated analytical equipment, there’s really no excuse for failing to characterize the health and safety of our environment.  The pathway has been blazed, thanks to work such as that of two University of Wisconsin-Madison scientists, reported in this 1995 paper.  They describe the laboratory protocol for using inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometry to quantify trace metals in surface waters.  As with just about every laboratory protocol that requires accuracy, you’ll find some sort of accurate weighing device at the foundation of the method.  Here, it’s a precision scale.

For further information visit epa.gov.

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