Over the last year I have been the lead technical support on the Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometer laboratory (MP-AES, a related technique to ICP-OES). After completing my laboratory induction, l successfully familiarised myself with the operation, troubleshooting and maintenance of an MP-AES.
This was followed by months of method development and validation of the acid digestion of samples, preparation of calibration standards, and data quality assurance. The analysis of archaeological samples using the MP-AES commenced at the beginning of the year, in January 2024. This included analysis of the following samples: British Museum, Beedon, Bishopstone, Colchester, Fishbourne and currently analysing the Silchester samples. A total of over 4200 injections have been analysed with the MP-AES.
Microwave Plasma-Atomic Emission Spectrometer laboratory
I’ve also prepared and reviewed Risk Assessments and Standard Operating Procedures for the MP-AES. Provided training to MSc and PhD students, on standard methods used in the preparation, extraction and analysis of samples for MP-AES. I provided a presentation on the ‘Use of MP-AES in the analysis of Archaeological Copper-Alloys’ at University of Surrey at an Agilent seminar. Another presentation was given on the departmental ‘Research hour technician show and tell’ at University of Reading. I presented the principal use of MP-AES in analysing archaeological samples and provided a laboratory tour for University of Reading colleagues. Some notable challenges during the year included silver and arsenic analysis. These challenges were resolved during the method development and an acceptable method was adopted.
