Semi Micro Analysis- Small Field Kit

radiotech, Mon Jun 02 2014, 07:17PM

In school chemistry years ago semi micro analysis allowed a wide variety of samples
to be tested for metallic ions. Cost was minimal, a set of reagents, a Bunsen,burner,
glass and flameware. It was mostly the skill of the tester that was needed.

Now today I would like to revisit those skills cheaply to test powders and scrapings
found in and on electronic equipment for mercury, cadmium, lead, tin, arsenic, iron
copper etc.

Who does this today without the costly instruments that can tell in seconds what the
stuff is?

Any sets/kits out there ?
Re: Semi Micro Analysis- Small Field Kit
Bored Chemist, Mon Jun 02 2014, 08:24PM

I think it's a dying art.
You might find this interesting/ useful
Link2

But it's increasingly difficult to buy reagent (though ebay can help a lot.)
Re: Semi Micro Analysis- Small Field Kit
Sulaiman, Tue Jun 03 2014, 10:10AM

B.C. what a great document,
less than 1/4 way through and already appreciate it
thanks for the link.
Re: Semi Micro Analysis- Small Field Kit
Bored Chemist, Tue Jun 03 2014, 07:53PM

Thanks, I saw a link posted on some website somewhere and copied it because it looked interesting.
I can't claim that finding it was original research on my part, but I'm glad if it's helpful.,
Re: Semi Micro Analysis- Small Field Kit
Conundrum, Wed Jun 04 2014, 02:14PM

Maybe the folks making Polaroid films can help?
IIRC a lot of the chemicals used are made using off the shelf items with the hard-to-source silver compounds made from scratch.

There was an article about using zinc in solution to detect heavy metals a while back.