Latest Trends in ICP-OES
Top articles published on Spectroscopy involving inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES), according to our readers.
Inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) is a spectroscopic technique that obtains its analytical data from the emission spectra of elements that are excited within high-temperature plasma (1). ICP-OES is commonly used in environmental testing, metallurgy, food safety, and pharmaceuticals to analyze the composition of samples for metals and other elements at low concentrations.
Illustration of fluorescence in atomic spectroscopy | Image Credit: © Jantana - stock.adobe.com
ICP-OES instruments normally have four main components. These are the sample introduction system, spectrometer, detector, and the excitation source (1).
Below are a select few articles on ICP-OES that have been published on Spectroscopy. These articles encompass several industries where ICP-OES can be used, including in environmental and food and beverage analysis. Happy reading!
This article from Glenna Thomas explores the current landscape of global critical raw materials (CRM) trends in research and the applications of atomic spectroscopy (AS), including inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), inductively coupled plasma–optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and X-ray analytical techniques in their identification of diverse industrial and environmental media (2).
A recent study published in Chemical and Biological Technologies in Agriculture demonstrated that ICP-OES and ICP-MS can be used to accurately determine the geographical origin of red pepper paste (gochujang), a key ingredient in Korean cuisine. The study, led by Ho Jin Kim, analyzed the inorganic elemental composition of various red pepper pastes and used discriminant models to distinguish between Korean and Chinese origins. Canonical discriminant analysis (CDA) proved to be the most accurate, achieving 100% accuracy (3). The study highlights how these analytical techniques can ensure product authenticity, protect consumers, and be applied to other agricultural products to verify their origins, mitigating issues related to food fraud (3).
Portable Device Utilizes Machine Learning for On-Site Freshness Evaluation
Researchers from Sichuan University developed a portable device utilizing machine learning algorithms and μPD-OES to detect and differentiate aromatic molecules in food.
The device, equipped with headspace SPME and headspace purge units, achieved high accuracy rates in assessing meat freshness and detecting adulteration in beef samples (4).
The integration of μPD-OES and machine learning provided a simple, portable, and cost-effective method for on-site food aroma analysis, addressing the need for rapid and low-cost analytical methods in ensuring food quality and safety (4). The research demonstrates significant advancements in on-site food freshness evaluation and adulteration detection, offering versatile solutions for real-time food safety monitoring in various sectors of food production (4).
Pittcon 2024: Detecting Toxic Metals in Hemp Samples Using ICP–OES
At Pittcon this year, ICP-OES was discussed in the context of the cannabis industry. This article discusses an oral session at Pittcon that reviewed how ICP-OES is being used to detect heavy metals in cannabis samples (5). It is argued in the session that ICP-OES is the optimal technique for analyzing metals because it can reach detection limits at trace levels (5).
References
- Thermo Fisher Scientific, ICP-OES Systems and Technologies. Thermo Fisher Scientific. Available at: https://www.thermofisher.com/us/en/home/industrial/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis/spectroscopy-elemental-isotope-analysis-learning-center/trace-elemental-analysis-tea-information/icp-oes-information/icp-oes-system-technologies.html#:~:text=Inductively%20coupled%20plasma%20optical%20emission%20spectroscopy%20(ICP%2DOES)%20is,components%20of%20an%20ICP%2DOES. (accessed 2024-09-22).
- Thomas, G. The Application of Atomic Spectroscopy Techniques in the Recovery of Critical Raw Materials from Industrial Waste Streams, Part II. Spectroscopy 2024, 39 (6), 8–11. DOI: 10.56530/spectroscopy.qr1578s7
- Wetzel, W. Using ICP-OES and Mass Spectrometry to Determine the Geographical Origin of Chinese and Korean Red Pepper Paste. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/using-icp-oes-and-mass-spectrometry-to-determine-the-geographical-origin-of-chinese-and-korean-red-pepper-paste (accessed 2024-09-23).
- Wetzel, W. Portable Device Utilizes Machine Learning for On-Site Freshness Evaluation. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/portable-device-utilizes-machine-learning-for-on-site-freshness-evaluation (accessed 2024-09-23).
- Acevedo, A. Pittcon 2024: Detecting Toxic Metals in Hemp Samples Using ICP–OES. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/pittcon-2024-detecting-toxic-metals-in-hemp-samples-using-icp-oes (accessed 2024-09-23).
New Study Finds Elevated Metal Levels in Some Cat Foods Sold in Sharjah
May 27th 2025A new study published in the Journal of Food Composition and Analysis by researchers at the University of Sharjah reveals that while most cat foods sold in Sharjah meet international safety standards, some contain elevated metal levels, prompting calls for stricter regulation and quality control to protect pet health.
