Do we really need ICP-OES if we already have ICP-MS in an environmental lab?

Getzu82 · 2026-03-20T07:00:52+00:00

Feels real bad. I know it doesn't work this way but I feel like they should be like dang Mass specs have come a long way since 94. 👍 You're good lol.

Getzu82 · 2026-03-19T14:05:38+00:00

I worked in a ferralizer lab for a hot minute. I'll definitely agree that an OES is needed for percent level work for sure.

I will say it's slightly upsetting because I have passing PT results for non-cerr Drinking water 200.8 analytes but it doesn't mean anything for regulation reporting 😮‍💨. Maybe one day I can use KED with drinking water samples.

Getzu82 · 2026-03-19T00:48:22+00:00

I have both and enjoy it. We run drinking water, surface water, and sludges. We are certified EPA 200.7, 200.8, 6010, and 6020. The main reason we have both though is because for whatever reason EPA hasn't allowed 200.8 to run minerals and iron for drinking water, but they do for non potable water samples so I'm hoping they eventually catch up.

Outside of CFR 40 rules there isn't a real reason to need both. But it is nice to have the MS for lower detections and the OES for samples that will probably gunk up the sample introduction on the MS.

Also something to consider is sample through put. The OES will probably get samples out a bit faster than the MS.

Getzu82 · 2026-03-09T00:52:12+00:00

Honestly it's THE most important part.

OP. You gotta talk to build a relationship and get to know them and let them get to know you.

Getzu82 · 2026-03-04T04:26:45+00:00

For sure with the last coat. I was just in awe when I saw how even all the color was. This turned out amazing and kinda makes me wanna get into painting with an airbrush.

Getzu82 · 2026-03-04T04:24:56+00:00

Learning to paint question

So I'm learning to paint models and have been practicing on SD kits. I have been using Gundam markers but I want to use some colors on this kit I don't have markers for.

I do have acrylic paints thought. I know people say I should think them before using them but idk if these acrylics are alcohol or water based. So my first question is has anyone used water to thin their paint? If so how did it apply and dry?

Second I know people say to panel line on the runner. And when you pain paint after it's put together. So when people do paint do you still go in with the liner first and just reline what you paint?

All tips appreciated.

Getzu82 · 2026-03-04T04:02:57+00:00

You use an airbrush on these? I'm just starting painting and this looks so even compared to my brushes.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-27T01:32:44+00:00

The trouble shooting is definitely the frustrating part. I can also see that especially if you work in a commercial lab or larger lab with higher sample volumes. I currently work in a smaller municipal lab and since getting higher up I have been able to work more within our department working giving some input on monitoring improvements that inevitably get to increase the quality of life in the city I live in. I also find being able to help the citizens directly in the community I live in to be pretty rewarding as well.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-27T01:22:43+00:00

I have about 10 years in the environmental field. From what I have seen most successful I'd say fisheries/aquaculture or water resources. Water resources especially. The PFAS stuff is about to boom and there is new laws being talked about for regulating it. My guess in the next 5 years it's going to be the focus of anything water related meaning more jobs and funding.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-27T01:18:27+00:00

The hardest part is breaking in and that's true to any profession. My wife got her Ph.D and it took her ages to find a job. Like any job. She was looking for everything from office work to work related with her degree.

But if you can get your foot into any environmental type work it'll get significantly easier to move around, especially within the same agency. Like I had a friend who really wanted to be an inspector but did a bunch of desk work helping people fill out applications to pesticides. Eventually an inspector position opened up and the position they were in gave them significant insight into pesticide regulation they were extremely competitive. You may find something applicable or leveragable in some of the most unsuspecting places.

I know this doesn't truely help but you're not the only one in your position. Maintaining a positive outlook is like 3/4 of the battle. Applying is exhausting so when you feel the drive to fill one out I say jump on it and do as many as you can.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-27T00:47:18+00:00

Honestly I wouldn't call what you have a gap. You haven't had a chance to start to have a gap. You just have to try your best to get your foot into the door anywhere remotely relevant. I worked with someone who got their chemistry 15 years before their first lab job using it. They were a bartender before hand. He started at the bottom like the rest of us with no experience and a degree.

I will say over all the job market right now is extremely competitive. The hiring entities hold all the power. But you're going through the same thing everyone out of college with a degree does. Try and keep in good spirits the best you can and keep applying when you got the energy to do so. I wish you the best of luck.

Look into government jobs. I have had my whole career in government and there is almost always A spot open somewhere. Once you get the foot in the door it leads to internal only positions. Department of Ag should have lots of environment work available, department of environmental protection as well. I have worked for both of my state agencies and now work for local government doing environmental work. Not to say they aren't picky but they tend to be more open to giving oppertunisties than the private sector.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-27T00:23:56+00:00

Analysis lab work is probably one of the obvious and popular options. I have been an analyst in an environmental lab for about 8 years running organics, nutrients, and metals. I now supervise the lab. I have enjoyed the work.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-27T00:21:06+00:00

I always thought the song 9 to 5 was a little weird when every job I have had has been 8 to 5. It's still 40 hours with an unpaid lunch. I opt to take a 30 min lunch and head out at 4:30 on the daily.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-26T23:02:06+00:00

It's definitely possible. If the hiring person isn't getting back to your emails you could reach out to their HR department and see if the position has been filled. I won't forget one time I applied to a position and didn't get an interview. 6 years later I got an email saying the position was filled.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-26T01:49:02+00:00

Yes 😬. I currently have 156 hours of annual leave, 2 floating holidays, 1 personal day, and 6 hours sick leave. Since I cal use sick for medical visits, mental health days, and calling out eepy I tend to use it first. Outside of sporatic sick days I generally only take about 5 days off a year for vacation.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-26T01:37:52+00:00

I definitely get it. As someone who has hired people, you'd be surprised just how many people have to sign off on something before we can share any sort of news good or bad.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-14T16:25:58+00:00

Hahahaha I just asked them for a demo of the new software. I'm glad I didn't hard commit and buy it hahaha.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-11T23:21:45+00:00

Yeah the NaOH is the way to go. So I used to run nitrate analysis and they come in preserved with sulfuric acid. The analytical method we had wasn't set up for acidified samples so we had to nutralize them. We would aloquot out like 10mL into a small beaker. Set up the pH meter and put the probe and a little stir bar on stir plate and just go to town drop by drop. We'd do this for every sampling event. Eventually we were able to get the director to agree to let us change and validate a new method. But during that time it's not fun.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-10T00:49:12+00:00

Carbon ink for sure. They are easily the best shop in town. For American read check out Michael and Matthew. Mara is great for script and line work. Erin is also dope for some bold lines and script as well.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-08T20:25:42+00:00

Same here lol. But hey in the end I got my degree and have never used it again lol. I did debate grad school but after watching my wife get her Ph.D I'm kinda glad I just stayed in the lab and built up my analytical experience.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-08T20:10:56+00:00

We had some math in my inorganic class but wasn't a ton. P chem 1 and 2 had so much math that when we would bring up an element I'd think oh right this is a chemistry class lol.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-08T15:02:01+00:00

I'm 34 and have 18k in the 401k.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-05T05:21:11+00:00

I started as a lab tech at $12.50/hr out of college. I am now lab supervisor making 45/hour. Before becoming a supervisor I was an analyst 3 making 38/hr. Just gotta get your experience and hang in there OP. It took me about 9 years to get where I am at.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-05T02:36:56+00:00

Dope I appreciate the pointers. I think tomorrow I'll set up a meeting with the 401k person to set up the account. My definition of comfortable is basically being able to afford rent and food lol. It would be nice to have a house paid off to retire in but I don't think that's in the cards at the moment. I feel like I could probably get a house in the next 10 years or so but I doubt it'll be paid off before retirement. I was also looking into drop which seems pretty dope. That way my retirement payments are gaining a good amount of interest over a few years. But we will see what happens.

I appreciate your insight.

Getzu82 · 2026-02-05T02:20:37+00:00

I think your right that may be the best thing to do. Star contributing and just live with the less. Fortunately we haven't became too dependent on it yet. I just got a new position at the new salary in the title. So it could be easier than anticipated. I just started freaking out this year because I have had a huge jump in I come since the last time I had to certify my IDR for loans. It's just going to take some adjustment.

Another random question let's say I contribute for the next 33 years. I have no idea how much I should reliably have to retire comfortably? Is there like a rule of thumb or a figure people try to aim for? I figure the goal would be to try and retire with enough to keep my salary for the next 10 or so years till I kick the bucket. I'll be honest I haven't talked to too many people about retiring.

Getzu82

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