Analysis of Soils, Sediments, and Sludges by ICP-OES per US EPA 6010D

Importance of the topic

Accurate quantification of trace metals in soils, sediments, and sludges is essential for environmental monitoring, regulatory compliance, and risk assessment. The US EPA 6010D method by ICP-OES provides a standardized approach to determine 31 elements, supporting decisions in pollution control, remediation, and agricultural safety.

Objectives and overview

This study demonstrates how Agilent’s smart tools enhance EPA 6010D analyses on 5800 and 5900 ICP-OES instruments. Key goals include streamlining method development, ensuring instrument stability, and improving data reliability. Validation used NIST 2711a industrial waste soil reference material to assess accuracy and precision.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent 5800 ICP-OES with AVS 7 switching valve
• Agilent 5900 ICP-OES (optional configuration)
• Agilent ICP Expert 7.5 control software
• IntelliQuant Screening and Early Maintenance Feedback (EMF) modules

Methodology

Samples were digested per US EPA 6010D guidelines before analysis. IntelliQuant Screening identified optimal wavelengths (e.g., As at 188.980 nm) to minimize spectral interferences. Early Maintenance Feedback monitored torch condition and consumable life, scheduling maintenance based on solution counts. Outlier Conditional Formatting (OCF) flagged replicate %RSD and concentration discrepancies in real time.

Main results and discussion

Validation on NIST 2711a (n=6) yielded recoveries between 91 % and 105 % for elements including As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Se, Tl, and Zn. Detection limits ranged from 0.000122 mg/L for Cd to 0.0092 mg/L for Se. Long-term stability tests over six hours showed all elements within ±10 % of initial calibration, with RSD below 2 %, eliminating the need for recalibration.

Benefits and practical applications

• Improved confidence in quantitation due to optimal wavelength selection and interference management
• Reduced remeasurements through real-time QC flags and outlier detection
• Extended consumable life and minimized downtime via maintenance scheduling based on sample throughput
• Streamlined workflow for environmental testing laboratories and QA/QC operations

Future trends and possibilities

Integration of AI-driven spectral deconvolution and predictive maintenance promises further enhancements. Remote instrument monitoring, cloud-based data analytics, and automated reporting will support higher sample throughput and regulatory transparency. Expansion of smart tools to other EPA methods and complex matrices is anticipated.

Conclusion

Agilent’s smart tools for ICP-OES significantly improve the robustness and reliability of US EPA 6010D analyses. By combining intelligent method development, real-time QC, and proactive maintenance, laboratories can achieve accurate trace metal determinations with greater efficiency and confidence.

References

• Agilent Technologies. Analysis of Waste Samples According to US EPA Method 6010D, publication 5994-2027EN.