Topic

Robert Thomas has more than 30 years of experience in trace element analysis. He is the principal of his own freelance writing and scientific consulting company, Scientific Solutions, based in Gaithersburg, MD.

Articles

The way the analytical signal is managed in ICP-MS has a direct impact on the results generated. In this first of a two-part series, we explain the fundamental principles of a scanning quadrupole and how measurement protocols can be optimized based on data quality objectives.

Impact of Measurement Protocol on ICP-MS Data Quality Objectives: Part I

Spectroscopy magazine is seeking nominations for the Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award.

Call for Nominations: 2023 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award

Attaining accurate quantitative results in atomic spectroscopy requires proper calibration, especially when measuring low-level concentrations near detection limits. This tutorial explains key concepts of calibration, illustrated with specific examples.

Calibration: Effects on Accuracy and Detection Limits in Atomic Spectroscopy

A recent investigation found dangerous levels of heavy metals in commercial baby foods. Tighter scrutiny and regulations are needed.

Regulating Heavy Metals in Baby Food: The Challenges of Food Manufacturers and the FDA Being on the Same Page

Jerome Workman Jr. serves on the Editorial Advisory Board of Spectroscopy and is currently with Unity Scientific LLC. He is also an adjunct professor at Liberty University and U.S. National University. He can be reached at jworkman04@gsb.columbia.edu.

L. Robert Baker, the 2021 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy, applies ultra- fast, time-resolved X-ray spectroscopy to explore charge transfer at surfaces, to understand electron transfer, energy conversion, electrochemistry, and catalysis.

The 2021 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award

EPA Method 200.8 and the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions don’t allow use of modern ICP-MS technology with a collision cell. Instead, correction equations can be used to compensate for polyatomic interferences.

Analyzing Water Samples Using EPA Method 200.8 to Support the Lead and Copper Rule Revisions

Spectroscopy Announces the Winner of the 2021 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award

This article provides a convenient summary of portable and handheld spectroscopy techniques, outlining the most prominent types of compact instruments for both atomic and molecular spectroscopy.

A Brief Survey of Handheld and Portable Instruments Used in Spectroscopy

Inductively Coupled Plasma–Based Techniques (ICP-OES and ICP-MS) 

This method detects elements intrinsically present in cells, and because sc-ICP-TOF-MS measures a full mass spectrum, no analytes are missed.

Single-Cell Analysis by Inductively Coupled Plasma–Time-of-Flight Mass Spectrometry to Quantify Algal Cell Interaction with Nanoparticles by Their Elemental Fingerprint