Sample preparation – sample pre-treatment

Sample preparation or pre-treatment is an essential part of chemical analysis methods. Samples originally collected—such as river water, soil, or ore—are usually not directly suitable for instrumental analysis. The goal of sample preparation is to convert the analyte into a homogeneously dissolved form that is fully and reproducibly measurable.

This process is prone to random and systematic errors, which can be minimized through automated and standardized methods. Preparation may be required for samples in various states of matter—gaseous, liquid, or solid—using specific techniques depending on the objective of the analysis.

In wastewater treatment plants, it is crucial that only wastewater meeting legal limits is discharged into the environment. Regular sampling, analysis, and the implementation of corrective measures when necessary are essential to achieve this goal and protect water bodies and ecosystems. The systems provided by ETL—such as TMS-C, CMS-P, PMC, and PMC-R—ensure high-quality samples that comply with regulatory thresholds. These sample preparation systems operate with precision and, in combination with online measuring systems or analyzers, can accurately determine wastewater parameters. By customizing the system and filter fineness, the specific requirements of each measurement method can be met.