The TTU GeoAnalytical Lab houses a Leeman Labs inductive coupled plasma – atomic emission spectrometer (ICP-AES) and Perkin-Elmer atomic absorption spectrometer (AA).

Whole rock samples can be analyzed for major (SiO2, TiO2, Al2O3, Fe2O3, MnO, MgO, CaO, Na2O, K2O, P2O5) and trace (Ba, Rb, Sr, Zr, Y, Sc, V, Ni, Cr, Cu, Zn, Nb, Be) elements using a lithium metaborate fusion solution. Loss on ignition (LOI) is included with whole rock analysis and requires 1-4 g sample powder.

Environmental (water and soil) and biological samples (liver, kidney, etc) are analyzed for typical EPA metals including Cu, Zn, Fe, Sr, Mg, Ni, Cr, Cd, Mo, As, Pb and alkalies. Minimum sample size is a 10ml solution.

Preparation of samples by EPA approved digestion methods and powdering of rock samples can be done for an additional cost.

For more information including costs and to schedule analytical work, please contact Dr. Melanie A. Barnes, Senior Research Associate.

email: melanie.barnes@ttu.edu
phone: (806) 742-3204