The metals department at Sierra is certified to conduct trace metal analysis for water, wastewater, soil, and hazardous waste.  Sample preparation and analysis are performed using the most up to date methods provided by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (US EPA) and the State of California Department of Health Services (Cal DHS).  The department capabilities include, but are not limited to the requirements found in Title 22 of the California Code of Regulations (CCR), the Priority Pollutant list metals, analysis of Industrial Discharge for both the NPDES and specific POTW permitting systems, and the 503 Rule required for treatment plants.

Sierra Laboratories metals department has the ability to offer its clients not only speed and efficiency in providing results, but also reliable data and low detection limits.  This is made possible by the instrumentation Sierra has invested in, a clean and spacious working environment, and experienced personnel.

The instrumentation used in the Metals Department is all manufactured by the Perkin-Elmer Corporation.  This includes the recent addition of an Elan 6000 ICP-MS.  The Elan 6000 is utilized for sub-ppb detection limits in difficult matrices such as seawater and fish tissue.  The low detection limits are achieved using the ICP-MS in conjunction with hydride generation or a separation column.

The metals department contains the following instrumentation:

• Perkin-Elmer Corporation, Elan 6000 ICP-MS with AS-91 autosampler and FIAS 400.
• Perkin-Elmer Corporation, Optima 3000SC ICP with AS-90 autosampler and ICP WinLab computer software.
• Perkin-Elmer Corporation, Plasma 400 I.C.P. with AS-90 autosampler and QCExpert computer software.
• Perkin-Elmer Corporation, Plasma 40 I.C.P. with AS-50 autosampler and QCExpert computer software.
• Perkin-Elmer Corporation, Zeeman 5100 Graphite Furnace HGA600 system, with AA Winlab computer software.
• Perkin-Elmer Corporation, FIMS 400 Flow Injection Mercury System with AS-90 autosampler and AA WinLab computer software.
• CEM Corporation, MDS 2100 Microwave Digestion System with computer software.

For further information please contact the Metals Supervisor.
Tel: (949) 348-9389