Voltammetric Device Measures Labile Copper Content

The Metrohm 797 VA Computrace can be used for the determination of labile copper in sea water. Spectroscopic methods can only determine the total concentrations of metals, but with voltammetry it is possible to differentiate between the different oxidation states of copper. This allows statements to be made about the biological availability and toxicity, making voltammetry an essential tool in environmental analysis.

Copper is one of the most toxic-heavy metals known to marine life, generally concentrations of heavy metals are comparatively low in open sea areas where human activities have not yet had a major detrimental effect. However, in coastal area, contamination is usually more widespread often in offshore sediments close to municipal and industrial discharge points. Many marine and research institutions are interested in determining the relationship between the labile (or free copper) and total copper, both of which can easily and reliably be performed using the 797 VA Computrace from Metrohm.

The 797 VA Computrace is a modern voltammetric measuring instrument that connects to a PC via a USB connection. The Windows XP-based PC software controls the measurement, records the measuring data and allows full evaluation of the recorded information. The sample and auxiliary solutions are added to the reaction vessel and the labile copper is determined on a mercury film formed at the surface of the ultra-trace electrode. By performing the analysis first using an ultra-trace electrode then separately using a classic mercury electrode, it is possible to measure first the values of labile and then total copper to determine the ratio of the different species.

Whether the labile or total copper is being determined, the process can be partially or fully automated through the use of Metrohm Dosino dispensing devices and autosamplers. The low running costs are an additional bonus point for voltammetry requiring no expensive combustible gases or reconstruction of the laboratory infra-structure to accommodate specialist ducting and fume hoods. Apart from the small amounts of reagents required for the analysis, only small volumes of pure nitrogen are required.

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Solidprofessor To Present Updated Content

Solidprofessor will unveil its latest products featuring 2010 content at Solidworks World 2010, which will be held from 31 January - 3 February in Anaheim, California. Solidprofessor Standard, Professional and Premium include content specifically to address the needs of Solidworks users based on the version of Solidworks they are running. Solidprofessor will showcase content in German, French, Dutch and Spanish.

These courses follow the same methodology as Solidprofessors' English products. The videos are created in a fully localised Solidworks interface, making the learning experience much more effective for native speakers of each language. 'Solidprofessor is able to deliver video-based training resources for design engineer,' said Nick Iwaskow, manager of alliances, DS Solidworks. 'Together, Solidprofessor and Solidworks 2010 will provide engineers with the tools and productivity to streamline product development,' he added.

The new product line provides content on Solidworks functions, from basic Solidworks to the advanced capabilities in the Premium product. Solidprofessor content can be accessed through the Solidprofessor Learning Management System (LMS), which runs as a Solidworks add-in and as a stand-alone application. On-demand search, adaptive testing and exercise files are just some of the features included with Solidprofessor. Solidprofessor products can be purchased direct and from Solidworks resellers worldwide.

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