Reliable Measurements   • Introduction / Contents About the Author • Other Guides and Articles  Foundations   • 1. Laying the Foundation  Sample Collection   • 2. Planning the Project • 3. Sampling and Sub-sampling  Sample Preparation   • 4. An Introduction to Sample Preparation • 5. Container Material Properties • 6. Container Transpiration • 7. Stability of Elements at ppb Concentration Levels  Contamination   • 8. Environmental Contamination • 9. Contamination From Reagents • 10. Contamination From the Analyst and Aparatus  Preparation Techniques   • 11. Acid Digestions of Inorganic Samples • 12. Acid Digestions of Organic Samples • 13. Sample Preparation by Fusion • 14. Ashing  Sample Measurement   • 15. ICP-OES Measurement • 16. ICP-MS Measurement  Conclusions   • 17. Method Validation

Biographical Summary

Dr. Paul Gaines has over three decades of spectroscopic experience. After earning his Ph.D. in chemistry at Iowa State University, Paul worked in the laboratories of Exxon Research and Engineering and Union Carbide. Today, Paul is the senior chemist and CEO of Inorganic Ventures.

Paul's extensive background includes atomic spectroscopy (ICP-OES, ICP-MS, XRF, flame and GFAA), ion chromatography, micro-elemental analysis, and various electrochemical, wet chemical, and separation techniques.

Recognized as an innovator and troubleshooter within the chemical community, Paul is currently examining contamination and reliability issues as they pertain to trace elemental analysis. 

'Reliable Measurements'

is an Inorganic Ventures Publication • January 2002 - June 2003