Atomic Spectroscopy Journal Highlights Practical AA, ICP, and ICP-MS Applications
The peer-reviewed Atomic Spectroscopy journal (Volume 21, No. 6) features six papers on real-world applications of trace element analysis, highlighting the use of Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES), Electrothermal Vaporization (ETV) ICP-MS, cold vapor Atomic Absorption Spectrometry (AAS), and flame AAS.
The lead paper describes an analysis of bee honey for trace elements, as bees can ostensibly collect an average sample of pollutants from an area of more than seven square kilometers and thus serve as a potential indicator of environmental pollution. The study was performed by researchers at ENEL PSI Central Laboratory of Piacenza, Italy, using highly responsive ETV-ICP-MS.
Researchers from the Department of Quality and Safety Assurance at the Nestle Research Centre in Switzerland developed and validated a rapid and sensitive coupled ion-chromatography ICP-MS method for routine analysis of five of the most important toxic arsenic species present in foods, as exhibited in the second paper. Using this technique will help scientists perform more accurate assessments of the risks associated with exposure to arsenic compounds.
As shown in the fifth article, researchers developed an effective new technique involving a flow injection (FI) on-line preconcentration system that improves the sensitivity of the flame AAS determination of lead in alloy samples. The method incorporates a minicolumn containing a PAPhA chelating resin, allowing high sample throughput. The final paper from Universidad de Vigo in Vigo, Spain, presents a unique method featuring an optimized FI manifold that is superior to the conventional univariate method. The technique employs factorial design as a chemometric approach, enabling accurate determination of mercury in seafood after microwave-assisted digestion by cold vapor AAS.
For a copy of Atomic Spectroscopy, Volume 21, No. 6, contact Editor, PerkinElmer Instruments,
761 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06859-0026 USA. Fax: (+1) 203-761-2898. E-mail: anneliese.lust@perkinelmer.com. For subscription information, e-mail atsponline@yahoo.com.
Atomic Spectroscopy prides itself on publishing any interesting real-world atomic spectroscopic application work, regardless of the manufacturers' analytical instrumentation, as long as it meets the necessary scientific criteria. If you are interested in submitting articles for publication, please contact Editor, Atomic Spectroscopy, PerkinElmer Instruments, 761 Main Avenue, Norwalk, CT 06859-0226, USA. Fax: (+1) 203-761-2898. E-mail: lustan@perkin-elmer.com
About PerkinElmer Instruments
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