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Elemental Analysis

EMSL offers instruments to researchers for measuring elements in solid and liquid samples: a carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen, sulfur, and oxygen (CHNS/O) analyzer for solid samples and a total organic carbon (TOC) and bound total nitrogen (TNb) analyzer for liquid samples. These resources are available through the EMSL User Program. 

The CHNS/O analyzer operates in two modes: one mode for the simultaneous analysis of CHNS and a separate mode for the analysis of O within a sample. The TOC/TNb analyzer offers EMSL users the option of analyzing a sample for TOC only or TOC in addition to TNb. Both analyzers offer elemental analysis application opportunities in soil, sediment, and water environmental research areas of study, among others.

photo of the red C, H, N, S Analyzer sitting on a desk with a computer and keyboard to the left
The CHNS/O and TOC/TNb analyzers support the Terrestrial-Atmosphere Processes Integrated Research Platform.

Research application

Available resources

  • CHNS/O Analyzer: Elementar VarioEL Cube
  • TOC/TNb Analyzer: Elementar VarioTOC Cube

Tips for success

  • The amount of sample needed to perform a CHNS measurement is dependent on the amount present of the elements of interest. Contact us to discuss your samples.
  • The amount of sample TOC/TNb analysis is 10 ml. However, analysis can be done with less volume depending on the sample concentration. Contact us to discuss your samples.
  • EMSL has the necessary sample preparation support items for these instruments, including auto pipettes, a micro balance, nanopure water, and numerous calibration standards. All work with these instruments, within EMSL, must be performed in compliance with EMSL practices and permits.
  • EMSL users may use these instruments independently for their research following the necessary training.

Contacts