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Fast, easy, and accurate analysis of microplastics is a key need of anyone with an interest in this area. With the capacity to conduct this analysis directly on the filter in the Agilent 8700 LDIR for microplastics, this analysis has now reached a new level.

Microplastics analysis just got easier: Analysis direct on-filter

Articles

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.

ICP-MS Configuration and Optimization for Successful Routine Analysis of 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.

Analysis of Desalination Discharge Brines for Elements of Environmental and Economic Importance with ICP-OES

, is the General Manager of the Applied Systems business at Ocean Insight, an affiliate associate professor at the University of Washington, and has started and advised numerous companies in spectroscopy and in applications of machine learning. He has approximately 40 peer-reviewed publications and 6 patents. His work in practical optical spectroscopy, such as LIBS, Raman, and TDL spectroscopy, dovetails with the coverage in this column, which reviews methods (new and old) in laser-based spectroscopy and optical sensing.

Controlling methane is one of the highest-impact ways to reduce climate impacts, so its accurate measurement is essential. Spectroscopy offers valuable tools for this task.

Detecting Methane Emissions: How Spectroscopy is Contributing to Sustainability Efforts

In this study, we propose a low-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) hyperspectral visible near-infrared (vis-NIR) remote sensing hardware platform, which combines efficiency and accuracy for high-precision remote sensing-based ecological surveys and statistical data collection on grassland desertification. 

Deep Learning Classification of Grassland Desertification in China via Low-Altitude UAV Hyperspectral Remote Sensing

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.

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.

The 2022 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award

Spectral reflectance is a non-destructive method that is applicable to remote sensing and may be used to measure the chlorophyll content in a crop, which indicates the photosynthetic capacity, growth cycles, and degrees of stress (such as disease, insect infestation, and heavy metal stress) on plant ecosystems. This vis-NIR spectral reflectance method measures leaf chlorophyll using a wavelet analysis algorithm approach.

Model for Retrieving Leaf Chlorophyll Using the Wavelet Analysis Algorithm with the Prospect Radiative Transfer Model and Vis-NIR Spectra

In the agrifood sector, soil sampling and analysis is a prerequisite for accurate fertilizer management and to monitor the accumulation of heavy metals in soils. In this study, energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF) was used to analyze soils with variable textures (clay and sandy) and the percent recovery of elements was compared, as a measure of accuracy.

Energy Dispersive XRF in Soil Analysis for the Agrifood Sector

In this study, the nitrophenol isomers, in solid and liquid phases, were analyzed using Raman spectroscopy, laying the groundwork for determining nitrophenol isomers in environmental monitoring with this technique.

Determining Nitrophenol Isomers Using Raman Spectroscopy

An inexpensive fiberoptic-based formaldehyde field sensor is described for monitoring low-levels of formaldehyde, a widespread indoor air pollutant, based on the principle of evanescent wave absorption of light. Sensor prototypes following that principle are being tested in two plywood board production plants.

Environmental Analysis