Best of the Week: Highlights from our November–December Issue

This week, Spectroscopy published a variety of articles highlighting recent studies in several application areas. Key techniques highlighted in these articles include Absorption, Transmission, Excitation–Emission Matrix fluorescence (A-TEEM), infrared (IR) spectroscopy, and Fourier transform IR (FT-IR) spectroscopy. Happy reading!

From the Editor: Saying Goodbye to Spectroscopy

To start Best of the Week, we say goodbye to associate editorial director, Caroline Hroncich, who is departing Spectroscopy for the next stage in her career. In this article, she reflects on her time as associate editorial director. She discusses how vibrant and engaged the scientific community is, and how this engagement has been critical for the growth of the brand (1). Hroncich highlights some of her favorite initiatives that were introduced during her tenure, including the “Icons of Spectroscopy” and “Inside the Laboratory” columns. In closing, Hroncich remarks on the importance of trade publications like Spectroscopy in sharing research, debating current trends and issues in the field, and highlighting key application areas (1).

A-TEEM–A Fantastic Spectroscopy that Rivals Raman

This “Molecular Spectroscopy Workbench” column introduces A-TEEM (Absorption, Transmission, Excitation–Emission Matrix fluorescence) as a powerful fluorescence-based technique that rivals Raman spectroscopy in practical usefulness. By correcting for inner filter effects through simultaneous absorption and transmission measurements, A-TEEM produces concentration-independent, information-rich EEM spectra (2). Although it does not provide direct structural data, A-TEEM sensitively captures conformational changes and molecular interactions in complex organic systems (2). Examples in cell culture media and environmental water analysis show how multivariate tools such as principal component analysis (PCA) and parallel factor analysis (PARAFAC) reveal subtle chemical differences, aging effects, and transformation pathways (2). Overall, the column highlights A-TEEM as an enabling technology for life science and environmental applications.

The Big Review VII: More Carbonyl Compounds

This “IR Spectral Interpretation” column reviews how IR spectroscopy is used to identify esters and organic carbonates through their characteristic carbonyl vibrations. Building on fundamental carbonyl chemistry, it explains why C=O stretches are intense and how conjugation lowers peak positions in aromatic systems. Esters are introduced through the “Rule of 3,” a trio of strong bands from C=O, C–C–O, and O–C–C stretches that shift predictably between saturated and aromatic forms (3). Organic carbonates show analogous but distinct patterns, including unusually high C=O stretching frequencies for mixed and aromatic types (3). Together, these spectral markers enable reliable functional group identification.

State of the Industry: Spectroscopy at a Crossroads

A 2025 industry survey highlights spectroscopy’s transformation from a mature discipline into a data-driven, automated field shaped by AI, analytics, and miniaturized instruments. Career growth is strongest in pharmaceuticals, biotechnology, and materials science, with emerging opportunities in environmental monitoring and medical diagnostics (4). Despite accelerating innovation, progress is constrained by budget pressures and a shortage of skilled personnel, particularly in data analysis and method development (4). Respondents show strong interest in AI-enabled analytics and portable devices, though adoption remains limited. Analytical performance still drives instrument purchases (4). Overall, the survey reflects cautious optimism, emphasizing the need for investment, training, and interdisciplinary skills to realize spectroscopy’s full potential.

FT-IR Spectroscopy Links Tourism Intensity to Microplastic Pollution in Island Waters

A recent study published in Civil Engineering Journal revealed a strong link between tourism intensity and microplastic pollution in the coastal environment of Gili Trawangan, Indonesia (5). Using FT-IR spectroscopy, researchers analyzed water, sediment, and fish samples collected over 44 months from recreational beaches, a seaport, and mangroves. Recreational beaches showed the highest microplastic levels in water, while sediments and fish near the seaport were most contaminated, reflecting tourism and maritime activities (5). Mangroves exhibited lower concentrations, suggesting a filtering effect (5). The findings highlight ecological risks, food-web contamination, and the need for improved waste management and tourism policies.

References

1. Hroncich, C. From the Editor: Saying Goodbye to Spectroscopy. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/farewell-from-the-editor-spectroscopy-caroline-hroncich (accessed 2025-12-18).
2. Adar, F. A-TEEM–A Fantastic Spectroscopy that Rivals Raman. Spectroscopy 2025, 40 (8), 34–37. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/a-teem-a-fantastic-spectroscopy-that-rivals-raman
3. Smith, B. C. The Big Review VII: More Carbonyl Compounds. Spectroscopy 2025, 40 (8), 27–30. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/the-big-review-vii-more-carbonyl-compounds
4. Hroncich, C. State of the Industry: Spectroscopy at a Crossroads. Spectroscopy 2025, 40 (8), 14–16. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/state-of-the-industry-spectroscopy-ai-automation-pharma-biotech-materials (accessed 2025-12-18).
5. Wetzel, W. FT-IR Spectroscopy Links Tourism Intensity to Microplastic Pollution in Island Waters. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/ft-ir-spectroscopy-links-tourism-intensity-to-microplastic-pollution-in-island-waters (accessed 2025-12-18).