October 21st 2025
Here are ten main unsolved problems in vibrational and atomic spectroscopy, each accompanied by a tutorial-style synopsis suitable for advanced practitioners or graduate-level students. Each of these tutorials, spanning advanced spectroscopy modeling, chemometrics, machine learning (ML) interpretability, and standardization, consists of a descriptive article. Each piece is well-referenced (with detailed matrix equations, radiative transfer models, chemometric derivations, and so forth), and includes the following. • Special focus on each topic—including mathematical derivations in matrix notation. • Conservative, verifiable content anchored to established reference sources. • Appropriate tutorial article structure: Title, Summary, Abstract, Introduction, Theory with equations, Examples, Discussion & Future Research, and References.
Mercury Determination in Lichen, BCR-482
April 20th 2015Due to its ability to absorb trace amounts of mercury, analysis of lichen is a potential model for mercury contamination in a micro-ecosystem modeling system. The purpose of this application note is to validate the capabilities of the QuickTrace® M-7600 Cold Vapor Atomic Absorbance (CVAA) mercury analyzer in the ug/L range.
EDXRF Analysis of Glass and Raw Materials
March 17th 2015The analysis of glass and raw materials is demonstrated in the manufacturing of soda-lime glass, which makes up 90% of the global glass production and is used to make windows, glassware and bottles. The Rigaku NEX CG spectrometer yields excellent performance for the elemental analysis of raw materials and final characterization of finished glass.
ICP Analysis of Multiple Elements in Drinking Water
March 16th 2015Typically, there are many target elements included in the testing of drinking water, such as sodium (Na), calcium (Ca), lead (Pb) and cadmium (Cd). This note presents how ICPE spectrometry can provide accurate measurement of many elements, from those present at trace levels to those at high concentrations.
Trace Heavy Element Analysis for Wastewater and River Water by X-ray Fluorescence Spectrometry
February 1st 2015This report introduces an X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis for the detection of ppb levels of hazardous heavy elements in wastewater and river water using "Ultracarry®" high sensitivity micro-droplet filter paper and the "Ultradry™" vacuum dryer.
Rapid Determination of Trace Metals in Oil Using Handheld X-Ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy
July 1st 2014Determination of trace metals in oil and petroleum typically is based on ICP-OES methods, requiring signficant sample preparation and expensive instrumentation. This article presents an alternative method, based on the use of a handheld energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence analyzer, that involves minimal sample preparation, uses authentic standards for calibration, gives low parts-per-million detection limits, and provides significant time and cost savings.
First Regulatory Limit for Hexavalent Chromium in Drinking Water Awaited in California
May 16th 2014The California Department of Public Health has proposed to establish the first regulatory limit in the United States for hexavalent chromium (chromium-6) in drinking water. The proposed Maximum Contaminant Level (MCL) sets the limit for hexavalent chromium at 10 parts per billion. California, like those of other states and United States federal government, currently only regulates total chromium levels.
The Top 13 Articles from Spectroscopy in 2013
January 21st 2014Everyone loves a list, and the editors of Spectroscopy are no exception! In 2013, Spectroscopy covered a wide array of topics throughout the year to bring you the most relevant information for your work, on topics ranging from selecting the right ICP-MS system to deciding which Raman technique is right for you, from our annual salary survey to calibration transfer. Here is a list of 13 popular articles and columns from 2013