ICP-OES / ICP-AES Analysis – Metals Quantification and Elemental Analysis

BJL Laboratoires provides ICP-OES analysis, also known as ICP-AES, for the quantification of metals and other elements in various environmental and industrial matrices.

Inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry enables multi-element analysis of water, effluents, solutions, soils, excavated earth, materials and industrial matrices following suitable preparation.

Samples suitable for transport can be sent to BJL Laboratoires from anywhere in France.

What Is ICP-OES?

ICP-OES stands for Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry.

The technique is also known as ICP-AES, meaning Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry.

The two names generally refer to the same analytical technique.

The sample, usually introduced in liquid form, is delivered into a very high-temperature plasma. The atoms and ions present are excited and emit light at characteristic wavelengths.

The emission wavelengths identify the elements, while the emission intensities are used to quantify them.

Why Use ICP-OES?

ICP-OES is particularly suitable when several elements need to be measured simultaneously.

Applications include:

• multi-element analysis;
• quantification of metals in water;
• industrial effluent monitoring;
• analysis of process solutions;
• characterisation of soils and materials following preparation;
• raw material testing;
• comparison of batches;
• investigation of metal contamination;
• industrial process monitoring;
• development of specific analytical methods.

Which Elements Can Be Analysed by ICP-OES?

ICP-OES can quantify many elements. However, feasibility depends on the matrix, expected concentrations, interferences and required analytical performance.

Other elements may be investigated depending on the matrix, preparation and method used.

Metals Analysis in Water by ICP-OES

ICP-OES is particularly suitable for quantifying metals and elements in water and aqueous solutions.

Matrices may include:

• industrial water;
• process water;
• wastewater;
• industrial effluents;
• surface water;
• groundwater;
• solutions from leaching tests;
• treatment baths and technical solutions.

Depending on the sample, acidification, dilution, filtration or another preparation step may be necessary before analysis.

Industrial Effluent Analysis

Industrial processes can generate effluents containing metallic elements originating from:

• raw materials;
• treatment chemicals;
• cleaning operations;
• equipment wear;
• corrosion;
• industrial baths;
• manufacturing processes.

ICP-OES analysis can help:

• check effluent composition;
• monitor treatment effectiveness;
• compare different points in a process;
• investigate metal contamination;
• track changes in concentration;
• characterise an industrial discharge.

Analysis of Soils, Excavated Earth and Materials

Following suitable preparation, ICP-OES can also determine elemental concentrations in:

• soils;
• excavated earth;
• sediments;
• mineral materials;
• certain types of waste;
• solid industrial products.

Depending on the analytical objective, preparation may include:

• drying;
• homogenisation;
• grinding;
• acid digestion;
• mineralisation;
• dissolution.

Explore our soil testing and Pack ISDI services

Elemental Analysis of Raw Materials

ICP-OES can be used for raw material and industrial product quality control.

It can help:

• determine major element concentrations;
• detect certain unwanted elements;
• check raw material consistency;
• compare materials from different suppliers;
• compare batches;
• investigate changes in composition.

Multi-Element Analysis by ICP-OES

One of the main advantages of ICP-OES is the ability to measure several elements during a single analysis.

This approach is particularly useful when establishing an elemental profile or comparing samples.

Applications include:

• quality control;
• raw material characterisation;
• environmental studies;
• process monitoring;
• contamination investigations;
• discharge monitoring;
• comparative studies.

Investigating Metal Contamination

An unusually high metal concentration may result from contamination associated with:

• a raw material;
• equipment;
• a metal component;
• corrosion;
• process water;
• a cleaning product;
• cross-contamination.

An investigation may therefore compare:

• a conforming sample;
• a non-conforming sample;
• different batches;
• raw materials;
• process water samples;
• different process stages.

Comparing elemental profiles can help guide the investigation of the contamination source.

Explore our non-conformity investigation services

Custom ICP-OES Analysis

Some analytical requests do not correspond to an existing standard method.

BJL Laboratoires assesses requests for custom ICP-OES analysis according to the matrix, target elements and expected concentrations.

To support a feasibility assessment, please provide:

• the sample type;
• the list of target elements;
• approximate concentrations;
• the required limit of quantification;
• the number of samples;
• the purpose of the analysis.

Learn more about our custom chemical analysis services

ICP-OES Method Development

Some matrices require method adaptation or development.

Development may address:

• sample preparation;
• mineralisation;
• wavelength selection;
• calibration ranges;
• dilutions;
• spectral interferences;
• matrix effects;
• quality controls;
• limits of detection;
• limits of quantification.

Analytical method development and adaptation

Sample Preparation before ICP-OES

Preparation is an important stage of the analysis.

Liquid Samples

Depending on the matrix, preparation may include:

• acidification;
• dilution;
• filtration;
• making up to a defined volume;
• adjustment of the sample matrix.

Solid Samples

Solid matrices generally need to be brought into solution before analysis.

Preparation may include:

• drying;
• grinding;
• homogenisation;
• acid digestion;
• mineralisation;
• dilution of the resulting solution.

Interferences in ICP-OES

Matrix composition can influence the measurement of certain elements.

Analytical challenges may arise from:

• spectral interferences;
• closely spaced emission lines;
• high concentrations of certain elements;
• high salinity;
• complex matrices;
• differences in viscosity or nebulisation behaviour.

Wavelength selection, dilution and sample preparation help control these effects according to the method used.

Limit of Detection and Limit of Quantification

The sensitivity of ICP-OES analysis depends on many factors.

The limit of quantification varies according to:

• the target element;
• the wavelength used;
• the matrix;
• sample preparation;
• the dilution factor;
• interferences present;
• method performance.

If your specification requires a particular limit of quantification, please state it when submitting your enquiry.

ICP-OES or ICP-AES: What Is the Difference?

In practice, ICP-OES and ICP-AES generally refer to the same technique.

ICP-OES emphasises the optical detection of emissions produced by elements in the plasma.

ICP-AES stands for inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry.

Both terms are used in scientific and industrial literature.

When Should ICP-OES Be Used?

ICP-OES is particularly useful for multi-element analysis when concentrations fall within the method’s analytical capabilities.

It may be suitable for:

• water and effluents;
• industrial solutions;
• treatment baths;
• leachates;
• soils following mineralisation;
• materials following digestion;
• raw materials;
• multi-element quality control.

ICP-OES and Chromatography: What Are the Differences?

ICP-OES is an elemental analysis technique. It measures chemical elements such as lead, copper, nickel, chromium and zinc.

Chromatographic techniques available at BJL Laboratoires, including GC-MS and LC-MS/MS, are primarily used to separate and analyse organic compounds.

These approaches therefore provide complementary information:

• ICP-OES / ICP-AES: quantification of elements and metals;
• GC-MS: analysis of many volatile or semi-volatile organic compounds compatible with gas chromatography;
• LC-MS/MS: targeted analysis of compounds compatible with liquid chromatography, including at low concentrations.

The choice of technique depends on the target substance, matrix and required analytical performance.

Raw Material Quality Control by ICP-OES

Elemental analysis can form part of a quality control programme.

It can help:

• verify elemental composition;
• compare materials from different suppliers;
• compare batches;
• test for an unwanted element;
• monitor raw material consistency;
• monitor a manufacturing process.

Non-Conformity Investigations by ICP-OES

When an unexpected analytical result is observed, ICP-OES can contribute to a broader investigation.

Sample comparisons may reveal differences in elemental composition between:

• a conforming batch and a non-conforming batch;
• two raw materials;
• different process stages;
• a product before and after treatment;
• process water and an effluent.

These data can help confirm or rule out hypotheses about the origin of contamination or a process deviation.

Subcontract ICP-OES Analysis

BJL Laboratoires assesses requests from companies and laboratories wishing to outsource ICP-OES / ICP-AES analysis.

Requirements may include:

• one-off analyses;
• series of samples;
• an ongoing service;
• an existing method;
• a client-specific method;
• analytical method development;
• temporary additional analytical capacity.

ICP-OES Analysis for Samples from Across France

BJL Laboratoires is based in Sèvres, in the Hauts-de-Seine department, near Paris.

Samples suitable for transport can be sent to the laboratory from anywhere in France.

Before sending a sample for a specific analysis, please provide:

• the sample matrix;
• the list of target elements;
• approximate concentrations;
• the available sample quantity;
• the number of samples;
• any specific analytical requirements.

Accreditation and ICP-OES Analysis

BJL Laboratoires is a Cofrac-accredited laboratory.

However, accreditation is not based simply on the use of ICP-OES equipment.

It depends on factors including:

• the matrix;
• the target parameter;
• the analytical method used.

Some services may therefore be performed within the scope of accreditation and others outside it. The applicable status is specified according to the requested analysis.

Frequently Asked Questions about ICP-OES Analysis

Related Services

• GC-MS analysis
• LC-MS/MS analysis
• Custom chemical analysis
• Analytical method development
• Non-conformity investigation
• Soil testing and Pack ISDI
• Lead testing
• Analytical expertise and consultancy