Analysis on site: Heavy metals
Metrohm International
Heavy metals such as arsenic and mercury find their way into the ground water in many regions of the world, either through natural processes or as the result of human activities. Limit values are exceeded many times over, particularly for arsenic in drinking water, in many areas. This calls for a...

Glyphosate and AMPA in drinking water - Determination using ion chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection
Metrohm International
In March 2015, the International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) published a report which stated that glyphosate was "probably carcinogenic to humans". Ever since, the use of this chemical has been highly controversial. In some countries, including the USA, there are already limit values in ...

It's all made of plastic! - Analysis of polymers using Raman-Spectroskopie
Metrohm International
"Plastic" has become something of a dirty word. It makes us think of trash and environmental pollution, inferior quality, mass-produced goods, and excess. But if you take a look around, you will realize that a lot of the objects that surround us - including those that we couldn't live without - a...

Determining the oxidation stability of fats and oils using the Rancimat method
Metrohm International
Foodstuffs that contain fat - like butter, nuts, cookies, and potato chips - turn rancid over time. This is caused by chemical changes in the fat; in particular, its oxidation. Because of this, determining the oxidation stability of fats and oils in foods has proven to be a useful tool in the qua...

Determine sodium titrimetrically
Metrohm International
In the presence of an excess of potassium and fluoride ions, sodium reacts exothermically with aluminum to produce NaK₂AlF₆ (elpasolite). This reaction is the cornerstone of a new method for determining sodium in foodstuffs using thermometric titration. Not only is it rapid, straightforward, and ...

Chromium(VI) determination in toys
Metrohm International
You may deem the chance slim that mythical monsters are hiding underneath your offspring's beds. However, danger might be lurking there in the form of toy blocks, action fi gures, or crayons. Hazardous substances found in everyday items, including toys, pose a particular threat to children. Even ...

Round robin tests for trace analysis of heavy metals in drinking water
Metrohm International
Trace analysis is becoming increasingly important. Contributing to that trend are ever tighter directives for maximum concentrations of contaminants. Regulations call for sensitive and reliable methods that can quantify minute amounts of substances harmful to human health and the environment. ...

The multipurpose poison
Metrohm International
Arsenic has many facets, but the primary one is the hazard it poses to millions of people around the world. Throughout the course of history, people have found uses for the various properties of arsenic and its compounds. Red and yellow arsenic sulfides (As₂S₃ and As₄S₄) were used in antiquit...