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Analytical methods in geochemistry

Class at Faculty of Science |
MG431P99

Syllabus

1. Sampling of rocks, soils, stream sediments and organic materials. Homogenisation, milling, sieving. Sample docomposition methods using mineral acids, fusion. Microwave digestion.

2. Collections and preservation of water samples. Sampling equipment. "In situ" analyses of waters (pH, conductivity, Eh).

3. Experiment strategy, selection of methods, major analytical methods used in geochemistry, checking correctness of analyses, qauality control of analytical data, reference materials.

4. Classical methods (volumetry, gravimetry), alkalinity, Fe 2+ determination. Electrochemical methods, potenciometry, polarografy. Speciation analysis.

5. Spectroscopic methods, principles and overview. Absorption and emission of light. Monochromators, photon detectors.

6. XRF, Atomic emissions spectroscopy, atomization with flame, arc and spark, inductively coupled plasma. Photometry. Principles, applications, sample preparation

7. Atomic absorption spectrometry, flame and electrothermal atomisation, cold vapour and hydride generation. Application in silicate and environmental analysis.

8. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, instrumentation, performance applications, accessories, spectral and non-spectral interferences. Nebulisation, laser ablation, electrothermal vaporisation. Application for trace elements and isotope ratio determination.

9. Separation methods. Ion exchange techniques, column separation, high pressure ion chromatography, determination of anions by ion chromatography, species determination.

10. Methods of solid structure study. X - ray diffraction, principles, applications, quantitative analysis. Differential thermal analysis.

11. Infrared spectroscopy, Raman spectroscopy, transmission electron microscopy

12. Microanalysis, electron probe microanalysis, instrumentation, applications for mineral surface study.

Annotation

The main objective of the lecture is to present analytical characteristic of methods used for the chemical and phase analyses of geochemical and environmental samples. Major analytical techniqeus are discussed with respect to elemental, isotope and speciation analyses.

Beauchemin D., Grégoire D.C., Günther D., Karanassios V., Mermet J.M., Wood T.J.(eds)(2000): Discrete sample introduction techniques for inductively coupled plasma mass spectroemtry. Elsevier, Amsterdam.

Clescery LS, Greenberg AE, Eaton AD (eds) (1998): Standard Methods for the Examination of Water and Wastewater. - United Book Press, Inc., Baltimore, Maryland.

Hulínský V., Jurek K. (1982): Zkoumání látek elektronovým paprskem. SNTL Praha.

Potts P.J. (1987): A Handbook of Silicate Rock Analysis. - Blackie Academic & Professional London.

Welz B, Sperling M. (1999): Atomic Absorption Spectrometry. - Wiley - VCH Weinheim.