Trace metals in water
Quantify Pb, Cd, Cu, Zn, Fe and similar metals in solution.
Useful forDrinking water, effluents, groundwaterElemental & Composition
AAS
Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometer
AAS measures the concentration of individual metals in a solution from how much light their atoms absorb in a flame. It is a selective, well-established method for quantifying a few named elements.
1 test optionAround 65 metals, one per lampmg/L to sub-mg/L detection (flame)Typical turnaround 4–6 working days
AAS measurement principleIllustrative
01 / Overview
What is AAS?
Atomic absorption spectrophotometry sprays a sample solution into a flame, which breaks it down into free atoms. Light from a hollow-cathode lamp made of the element being measured passes through the flame, and the fraction absorbed is proportional to that element's concentration.
Because each lamp emits only the lines of one element, AAS is highly selective and simple to calibrate. It suits routine measurement of a few named metals; for many elements at once or ultra-trace levels, ICP-OES or ICP-MS is usually the better choice.
02 / How it works
How it works
- 01
Solution is aspirated
The liquid sample is drawn up a fine capillary and sprayed into a mist.
- 02
Flame forms free atoms
The mist enters a flame, which dries it and breaks compounds into free atoms.
- 03
Atoms absorb lamp light
Light from a lamp of the same element crosses the flame; the atoms absorb part of it.
- 04
Absorbance gives concentration
Absorbance is compared with standards of known concentration to give the result.
03 / What it measures
What it measures
Alkali & alkaline-earth metals
Measure Na, K, Ca and Mg at typical sample levels.
Useful forSoils, fertilisers, plant and food samplesHeavy-metal content
Check toxic metal levels in digested solid samples.
Useful forFood, soil, sediment and sludgeMetal loading
Determine the metal content of catalysts and alloys after digestion.
Useful forCatalysts, alloys, ores, nanomaterials04 / Test options
Choose the AAS options you need
1 option · none added yet
05 / Sample requirements
Sample requirements
- Accepted forms
- Clear aqueous solutions; solids, soils and biological material for digestion
- Quantity
- 20–50 mL of solution, or 1–5 g of solid
- Elements
- List each element to be measured; each needs its own lamp
- Concentration
- Share the expected range so the lab can dilute to the working range
- Clean, labelled plastic bottles for water samples
- Acid-preserve water samples if advised (typically pH < 2 with HNO₃)
- List elements and expected concentration range
- No organic solvents or oils without discussing first
- No hydrofluoric acid in submitted solutions
Hazardous or air-sensitive samples: mention it in your request, and attach the MSDS if you have one.
06 / Results & turnaround
Results & turnaround
What you receive
- Concentration of each requested element
- Results in mg/L, or mg/kg for solids
- Calibration standards and curve
- Dilution and digestion details
- Report PDF
Turnaround & pricing
Typically 4–6 working days after samples reach the lab.
Price confirmed in your quotation, depending on user type, options and number of samples.
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