Presentation Profile
Improving Industrial Wastewater Laboratory Efficiency Using Semiquantitative Screening and ICP-OES
Main Author
Andy Fornadel - Thermo Fisher Scientific
Abstract:
Industrial wastewater laboratories must manage highly variable sample matrices while meeting stringent detection requirements and increasing throughput demands. This work evaluates a workflow combining semiquantitative elemental screening with high-throughput ICP-OES analysis. Rapid screening of unknown samples provides concentration estimates without prior calibration, supporting calibration design, interference assessment, and dilution planning before quantitative analysis. The subsequent method demonstrated excellent sensitivity, accuracy, and stability with a 41-second sample cycle time. A sequence of 423 samples was analyzed continuously with consistent calibration verification and internal standard recovery. This approach can reduce reanalysis risk and improve efficiency and confidence in routine industrial wastewater elemental analysis.
