Atomic Spectroscopy

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Due 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.

The 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.

Typically, 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.

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Moxtek's ULTRA-LITE X-ray source is a very small self contained X-ray source (X-ray tube and high voltage power supply) for use in portable X-ray applications, such as the handheld X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometers.

Analyzing Art with Lasers

Lasers have many different scientific uses. Some analytical scientists are advancing the use of laser-based techniques to analyze works of art and other ancient artifacts. Laser-ablation surface-enhanced Raman microspectroscopy (LA-SERS) can analyze art and artifacts to accurately identify the various components inside them. Spectroscopy recently spoke with Pablo Londero, an Associate Conservation Scientist at the Institute for the Preservation of Cultural Heritage (IPCH) at Yale University, and Marco Leona, the head of scientific research at the Metropolitan Museum of Art, about their work in this area.

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Determination 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.

The 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.