What Techniques Are Used to Analyze Environmental Samples?
Environmental samples are analyzed using a variety of techniques to detect and quantify toxic substances:
Chromatography: Techniques like gas chromatography (GC) and liquid chromatography (LC) are used to separate and identify complex mixtures of chemicals. Mass Spectrometry: This is often coupled with chromatography to provide detailed information about the molecular structure of contaminants. Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy: Used for detecting heavy metals in samples. Bioassays: These involve using living organisms to assess the toxicity of samples, providing insights into potential biological effects.
