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By using green synthesized AgNPs modified by chitosan and organic acid, a simple, cost-effective, and highly selective onsite colorimetric detection method for Pd2+ and Hg2+ ions was developed.

Colorimetric Discrimination of Pd2+ and Hg2+ Ions in Solvent and Solid-Film State Using Organic Acid-Assisted Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles

While the tracing product origin by the analysis of their multi-element composition has been successfully applied in several commodities, the potential for doing the same with timber has not yet been determined. Laura Boeschoten and her team studied the reactive soil element pools and the multi-elemental composition in sapwood and heartwood for 37 Azobé (Lophira alata) trees at two forest sites in Cameroon, measuring 46 elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and conducted the first study relating wood multi-elemental composition of forest trees to soil chemical and physical properties in an effort to combat the illegal trade of timber. Laura spoke to Spectroscopy about this study and the technique’s potential.

Clay and Soil Organic Matter Drive Wood Multi-Elemental Composition of a Tropical Tree Species: Implications for Timber Tracing

Some macrofungal species are known for their ability to accumulate high concentrations of mercury in their fruit bodies. A recent paper by Simone Braeuer and colleagues of the University of Graz (Austria) and Ghent University (Belgium) discusses an efficient method developed for quantitative mapping of mercury and selenium in mushroom fruit bodies via laser ablation coupled to inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry with excellent limits of detection and high spatial resolution (down to 5 µm). Braeuer spoke to Spectroscopy about this paper. 

Quantitative Mapping of Mercury and Selenium in Mushroom Fruit Bodies with Laser Ablation–Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry  

Lithium-based batteries are key for moving away from the combustion of fossil fuels at the point of use. ICP-OES and ICP-MS methods can measure trace-element impurities that may affect battery performance.

Analysis of Trace Elements as Impurities in Materials Used for Lithium-Ion Battery Production

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

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 Fundamental Components of Sample Introduction for ICP-OES and ICP-MS

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instruments can perform low-level elemental analysis in a wide range of sample types, from high-purity chemicals to high matrix digests. But achieving consistently low detection limits requires good control of elemental contamination, as well as spectral interferences. A clean working area, careful selection of reagents, and good sample handling techniques are key to successful trace and ultratrace elemental analysis. In this article, we provide five practical tips for controlling contaminants and minimizing detection limits. 

ICP-MS: Key Steps to Control Contamination and  Achieve Low Detection Limits

Ling Gao is with Chifeng University in Chifeng, China.

Donghua Di is with Shenyang Pharmaceutical University, in Shenyang, China.

Xiaojing Liu is with Beijing Ancoren Technology Co Ltd. in Beijing, China.

Fei Teng is with Beijing Ancoren Technology Co Ltd. in Beijing, China.

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.

Comparative Study of Heavy Metals Analysis in Mongolian Medicines Based on High Sensitivity X-ray Fluorescence Spectroscopy and ICP-MS

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.

Letters to the Editor: H-Classic Papers in Atomic Spectroscopy

Laura Bush is a former managing editor of 

. She is currently the Editor-in-Chief of 

. 485 Route One South, Building F, First Floor, Iselin, NJ 08830, lbush@advanstar.com, tel. 732.346.3020

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.

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