Plateform M&Ms
Based in both Pessac and Arcachon, M&Ms is a platform that pools the sample preparation systems and high-tech analytical equipment used by the Aquatic Ecotoxicology (EA), Geochemical Metal Transfer at the Continent-Ocean Interface (TGM) and Palaeoclimates (PALEO) teams at the EPOC laboratory. The platform provides support and technical expertise for the quantification of conventional and emerging metals and metalloids in various matrices: sediments, soils, water, biological tissues and carbonates. It draws on methodological and analytical developments specifically adapted to the matrices and concentration levels targeted (major or trace) and developed within the research teams. It interacts in projects with other scientific teams at the EPOC joint research unit. It provides services to external public and private partners at regional, national and international level. The M&Ms analytical platform is certified by the University of Bordeaux Platform Federation (FED) and has been integrated into the CNRS’s RéGEF (French Geochemical and Experimental Network) research infrastructure.
Responsables
Scientific manager
Alexandra Coynel
Technical managers
Cécile Bossy
Émilie Dassié
Applications / Expertise
Environmental geochemistry
Quantification of dissolved and particulate concentrations of regulatory and emerging metals/metalloids (rare earth elements, platinoids) in natural and/or anthropogenic environmental matrices (e.g. water, soil, sediments, sludge, industrial or urban waste, electronic components);
Ecotoxicology
Characterisation of metal bioaccumulation levels in the biological tissues of terrestrial organisms (e.g. plants, fungi) and aquatic organisms (e.g. fish, molluscs, algae);
Palaeo-reconstructions of ocean parameters
Measurements of trace element ratios in major elements in carbonate matrices (corals, foraminifera, speleothems).
Instruments
Analytical Centre and Instruments
The M&Ms platform is divided into three analytical divisions based on the optimisation and validation of analytical procedures for quantifying metals/metalloids in various matrices:
- ‘Mass spectrometry division (ICP-MS)’
- ‘Electrochemistry/voltammetry’
- ‘Atomic emission and absorption spectrometry (OES and AAS)’
and a set of small pieces of equipment grouped under the term ‘Sample preparation’.
Mass Spectrometry Unit (ICP-MS):
The centre comprises three triple quadrupole ICP-MS (TQ iCAP Thermo®) instruments and their couplings for quantifying trace metal elements (TMEs) at trace (<µg/l) or ultra-trace (<ng/l) levels for conventional elements (e.g. Cd, Cu, Zn, Ag) or emerging elements (e.g. rare earths or platinoids).
Contact : Cécile Bossy and Alexandra Coynel
a. Measurement of trace and ultra-trace metals/metalloids TQ-ICP-MS(#1)
ICP-MS is particularly well suited to measuring heavy metals due to its high sensitivity, low detection limits and ability to analyse several elements simultaneously. ICP-MS#1 aims to meet analytical demands concerning solid matrices (sediments, soils, sludge) or low-load matrix waters (e.g. river water, drinking water).
Contact: Cécile Bossy and Laureline Labadie
Staff involved: Nicolas Layglon, Laurie Payet and Alexandra Coynel
b. SeaFast-TQ-ICP-MS coupling (#2)
SeaFast® (ESI) is an automated sample introduction system, fully Teflon-coated and automatic, offering increased sensitivity and reduced handling time. It is designed for:
– Pre-concentration of samples on chelating resin, in ‘on-line’ or ‘off-line’ mode
– Elimination of non-spectral interference associated with loaded matrices (e.g. seawater, wastewater).
Coupled with TQ-ICP-MS#2, it enables the measurement of:
– ETMs in water with elimination of the salt matrix
– ETMs in biological matrices with elimination of interferents
Contact: Cécile Bossy and Nicolas Layglon
ESI®
c. Hydride generator coupling-TQ-ICP-MS(#3)
The use of a hydride generator (ESI®) promotes the separation of the analyte from the matrix and increases analytical sensitivity for elements that form volatile hydrides (e.g. As, Sb and Se). Coupled with TQ-CP-MS#3, it allows the speciation of As (AsIII and AsV) to be characterised and Sb and Se to be measured.
Contact: Cécile Bossy
Electrochemistry/Voltammetry Division
The centre consists of a polarographic stand (Metrohm®) coupled with an automatic sampler and burettes for automating measured additions, and a submersible voltammetric probe (Idronaut®).
The polarographic stand allows, in the laboratory after UV irradiation, the quantification of total dissolved metals (Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Co, Ni, Pt, etc.) on a hanging mercury drop.
The submersible probe relies on the use of electrochemical sensors, composed of an interconnected network of microelectrodes, for direct, in situ and real-time measurement of the potentially bioavailable fraction of a panel of elements (Cu, Cd, Pb, Zn, Co, Ni, etc.).
Contact : Nicolas Layglon
Staff involved: Camille Dutour
Atomic Emission and Absorption Spectrometry Centre
- ICP-OES (N=2)
- Atomic absorption spectrometers
– Atomic absorption spectrometer with graphite furnace
– Mercury analysers (N=3)
Contact: Émilie Dassié
Staff involved: Yann Combes
Sample Preparation Unit
The platform is equipped with small devices for preparing samples prior to analysis. It offers:
- Implementation of analytical processes (preparation, filtration, centrifugation, freeze-drying, UV irradiation, grinding, dissection)
- Mineralisation (total extractions)
- Selective extractions by microwave digestion or on plates
- Batch leaching (Milli-Q®, seawater, desired matrices)
Staff involved: Cécile Bossy, Alexandra Coynel, Yann Combes, Emilie Dassié, Camille Dutour, Laureline Labadie, Nicolas Layglon, Laurie Payet