ICP-OES

Using internal standards is a common technique to correct for variations in sample matrices and the effect this has on analyte intensities. There are several basic criteria to be considered when using internal standards: selection of appropriate internal standards, the concentration added to the solutions analyzed, setting up in the correct view (axial vs. radial), how to introduce the internal standard to the solutions to be analyzed, and evaluating the resulting data. Each of these topics are considered and suggestions presented.

A team of researchers has conducted a successful round-robin test using total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) to analyze the elemental composition of rat tissue samples. The preliminary results demonstrate the effectiveness of TXRF in accurately determining the elemental composition of mammalian tissue.

Researchers have developed a method for the simultaneous determination of cadmium and lead in water samples using microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry with multiwalled carbon nanotubes pre-concentration and a discrete sample introduction system.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Software tools for ICP-MS and ICP-OES can help analysts to simplify method setup and reduce the potential for errors.

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.

How to create trouble-free sample preparation workflow for elemental analysis.

The determination of metals in hygienic face masks is important for global heath at this time. Following the guidelines of ISO 18562-4, an ICP-OES method is described including sample preparation, analysis, and validation of the methodology.

John W. Olesik of The Ohio State University discusses his collaborative ICP–OES and ICP–MS research and shares insights gleaned over a career of teaching and research.

Although ICP-OES and ICP-MS are often considered mature techniques, probing the mechanisms involved can lead to more accurate results, and in some cases, cast doubt on accepted explanations. John Olesik shares some surprises he has encountered, in this first part of a two-part interview series.

Inductively coupled plasma–atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES) relies on the use of a peristaltic pump for sample introduction. Here, two conventional peristaltic pumps are compared with a new pump based on the “easy click” principle for the analytical figures of merit.

There is no doubt that funding for basic science in analytical atomic spectroscopy has waned over the years, and, in reality, barely exists today.

In celebration of Spectroscopy’s 35th Anniversary, leading experts discuss important issues and challenges in analytical spectroscopy.

New excitation developments and advanced detector technology enable the use of EDXRF for multielement analysis of plant material and fertilizers, with improved detection limits and reduced measurement time. These features are combined with easy sample preparation and low cost of investment.

EDXRF offers potential advantages over ICP-OES for elemental analysis in agriculture. Karen Daly and Anna Fenelon of the Agriculture and Food Development Authority of Ireland spoke to us about their work investigating agricultural applications of this technique.

Master the art of selecting analytical wavelengths for ICP-OES with these essential steps and enhance your results.

This method demonstrates that ICP-OES is a suitable alternative to ICP-MS for the determination of rare earth elements in geological and agricultural samples

The nutritional value of food depends on many components, including vitamins and minerals. While both of these occur naturally, they are also commonly added during processing to increase the nutritional content. Naturally occurring nutrients enter plants (and ultimately animals who consume plants) from the soils in which they grow, so it is equally important to monitor the nutrient content of both soil and final food products. Since the number of elemental nutrients is limited and they are present at relatively high concentrations, ICP-OES is an ideal technique for their measurement in soil and food. This work will focus on the elemental nutrient analysis of soils and two categories of food products: milk and fruit juice, whose nutritional content is particularly important as they are commonly consumed by young children.

October’s AP column highlights a team of geochemists at the University of Houston who have been developing methods to streamline multi-element analysis for a more complete fingerprinting of oils by using one sample preparation method utilizing a single reaction chamber microwave digestion system and then analyzing these solutions for major, and minor elements by ICP-OES and low abundance trace elements by triple quadrupole (QQQ) ICP-MS. Results to date using this approach have shown that complete elemental recovery and removal of organic matrices can be achieved safely and that up to 57 elements can be determined in oils with good accuracy and precision. Removal of organic matrices during digestion not only helps to limit the formation of polyatomic spectral interferences, but improves instrument stability and reduces carbon build in the sample introduction and interface regions, which have traditionally plagued “dilute and shoot” methods.