Atomic Spectroscopy

A simple and inexpensive method for the determination of hexavalent chromium in aqueous solutions was developed using liquid-liquid microextraction combined with total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry.

Good sample handling practices that minimize sample contamination during preparation of inorganic analyses are discussed, using glass and low purity quartz as examples.

Our annual review of new products for atomic and molecular spectroscopy, including details by category and highlights of overarching trends.

A new article reviews methods for determining trace elements in germanium and germanium dioxide, highlighting the advantages and limitations of methods with and without matrix separation procedures.

New research compares light capturing approaches in LIBS for multichannel spectrometers, highlighting the challenges of shot-to-shot variations in plasma morphology and their effect on calibration-free LIBS.

New research presents a fast and sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of zinc and iron in vegetables and plant material using HR-CS GF-AAS.

A recent study provided a procedure for evaluating the dead time effect and highlighted the importance of careful consideration of non-linear effects in TXRF spectroscopy.

The use of ICP-MS is constantly expanding into an ever-wider variety of applications. We assess the current landscape and where the technique is going in the future.

The SCGD ambient-atmosphere microplasma has emerged as an alternate excitation source for atomic emission spectroscopy that is able to perform admirably compared to established, conventional approaches—with lower cost.

Andreas Riedo of the Physics Institute at the University of Bern, the 2023 winner of the Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award, is using laser ablation–desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LIMS) to chemically analyze complex mineral surfaces found in space exploration.

Nominate a colleague for the 2024 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award!

Is ICP-MS instrumentation ready to handle the requirements of AOAC Method 2015.01 for the determination of toxic elements in food—including dealing with interferences? We ran this study to check.

Andreas Riedo of the Physics Institute at the University of Bern has won the 2023 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award, which is presented by Spectroscopy magazine.

In this third part of this four-part series on spectroscopy instrument components, we take a closer look at components used in atomic spectroscopy instrumentation—from beryllium and Kapton windows used in X-ray analysis to sampler and skimmer cones and plasma torches for ICP systems.

ICP-MS is increasingly being used to analyze complex matrices, but an ICP-MS instrument optimized for the highest sensitivity may not have the sufficient matrix tolerance to analyze high-salt samples. We describe a method to optimize plasma robustness and interference control for accurate, routine analysis of critical trace elements in undiluted seawater.

Brines from desalination plants are increasingly being seen as a source of valuable elements, such as lithium, rubidium, and cesium. We show how ICP-OES can be used to measure the concentrations of such elements in brines to assess the economic feasibility of their recovery.

This tutorial explains the most critical components of the sample introduction system of modern ICP-optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and ICP-mass spectrometry (MS) instruments, providing analysts with a guide for initial configuration settings and recommended maintenance intervals for reliable daily operation.

Understanding the proper ways to plan, run, and report proficiency tests will help you avoid errors and contamination.

In this study, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy was used to analyze heavy metals in five traditional Mongolian medicines, and the results were compared to those obtained using ICP-MS.

Proficiency testing (PT) can assess the performance of individuals or laboratories, but it’s important to understand how to do it properly.

Our annual review of new products for atomic and molecular spectroscopy, including details by category and highlights of overarching trends.

A letter to the editors of Spectroscopy regarding the "H-Classic Papers in Atomic Spectroscopy" article published in the November 2021 issue, along with a response from the authors.

A note from the editors of Spectroscopy regarding the "H-Classic Papers in Atomic Spectroscopy" article published in the November 2021 issue.

Laser ablation laser ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LALI-TOF-MS) can quantify elemental constituents without the need for matrix-matching, making it attractive for metals testing, particularly for additive manufacturing.

Method development for ICP-MS/MS should not be difficult. The six steps here will guide you to success.

The fast data acquisition and minimal sample preparation of handheld LIBS devices make them very useful for geochemical mapping, resource prospecting, sample selection, and hazard identification.

Denise M. Mitrano is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Chemistry of Anthropogenic Materials at ETH Zurich in the Department of Environmental Systems Science. Her research is directed to understanding the impact and interaction of nanoparticles in the environment using atomic spectroscopy techniques, such as inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and single-particle ICP-MS (sp-ICP-MS). She is the winner of the 2022 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award. Chosen by an independent committee, the Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award recognizes the achievements and aspirations of a talented young atomic spectroscopist who has made strides early in his or her career toward the advancement of atomic spectroscopy techniques and applications. We recently interviewed Mitrano about her work.

Denise M. Mitrano of ETH Zurich, the 2022 winner of the Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award, is applying ICP-MS and single-particle ICP-MS to elucidate the transport and impact of nanomaterials and nano- and microplastics.

How can you assess real-world detection capability of an ICP-MS system?

In this study, a methodical qualitative and quantitative analysis of H-Classic publications that have made key contributions and identify intensive mainstream research areas in atomic spectroscopy is presented.