Atomic Spectroscopy

Preparing soil samples for pesticide analysis is a crucial step in ensuring the safety of all consumers. Typical soil samples for analysis are often a heterogeneous mix that are unable to be directly analyzed; thus, the handling and homogenizing of the sample must conducted with the proper tools and techniques in order to obtain a reproducible and meaningful result.

Semi-quantitative analysis in modern XRF instruments is a unique method which is performed without reference materials for the unknown samples. This report demonstrates determination of chemical composition in geological samples using semi-quantitative analysis by the pressed powder method on a WDXRF spectrometer.

EPA methods 200.7 and 6010 specify ICP; however, analysis of the major components may involve dilution of off-scale peaks, making the analysis more difficult. This work demonstrates a method that uses low-sensitivity analytical lines for the high-concentration major components and high-sensitivity analytical lines for the low-concentration trace components. This eliminates the need for multiple dilutions to get major elements on-scale.

Selecting the correct wavelengths or isotopes and optimizing flame, furnace, or plasma conditions can seem a daunting task for a novice user, with a multitude of opportunities to introduce errors and generate poor quality data. While most elemental analysis instruments have intuitive operating software, they lack the intelligence to guide the operator through the early stages of method development and overcome associated problems along the way. This study describes an automated, intelligent approach to method development for trace element analysis using optical emission spectroscopy, and exemplifies this capability with a suite of real-world sample matrices.

This application highlights performance of the Agilent Multimode Sample Introduction System for simultaneous determination of mercury, hydride forming and routine elements in a water CRM using the PerkinElmer Optima ICP-OES.

Biodiesel fuel is easily analyzed using the Prodigy7 ICP. The detection limit of Teledyne Leeman Lab’s Prodigy7 ICP-OES readily exceeds the requirements of the ASTM D-6751 Standard against which biodiesel must be measured. Samples are easily prepared by dilution with a suitable solvent. Sample spike recoveries and reference standards results indicate that the method is suitable for the analysis of biodiesel fuels and that matrix interferences are not an issue.

Preparing samples for analysis carries a set of difficulties that are often expounded on when cryogenic treatment of the material is necessary to meet the analytical requirements. In order to achieve the application requirements, selection of the correct milling device and technique is a critical decision.

Measurement of metals, especially toxic heavy metals, in aerosols on air filters is demonstrated. Simple linear empirical calibration is discussed, and performance is shown for measurement precision and typical detection limits.

Terephthalic acid (TPA) and purified terephthalic acid (PTA) are precursors in the making of polyester PET for polyester films, bottle resin, textile fabrics, and specialty chemicals. During production and use of TPA and PTA, the catalysts Co, Br and Mn must be closely monitored to ensure optimum product quality. Rigaku EDXRF Application Note #1539 describes the analysis of concentrations of Co, Br and Mn in TPA and PTA solutions and highlights the performance of the Rigaku NEX OL on-line EDXRF process analyzer.

The elegant design of the Elegra results in a very compact accessory (Figure 1), making it easy to fit every ICP model without overcrowding the sample compartment. The Elegra utilizes highly efficient membrane technology to add moisture to the argon as it flows through the inert metal-free construction. The device runs at atmospheric pressure and does not require heating or electric power. The Elegra is also configured with a bypass switch so that the operator can turn humidification on and off without connecting or disconnecting any tubing. For easy installation on any ICP instrument and nebulizer, each Elegra Kit is packaged with customized gas connectors.

To optimize the mapping collection parameters, it is important to factor the size of the mapping area, the beam diameter, and the desired beam spacing. For this sample, the area being mapped is shown in red outline in Figure 2, approximately 50.4 x 3.5 mm.

Moxtek's MAGPRO miniature X-ray source is capable of up to 60 kV 200 µA and down to 4 kV and 1000 µA, and limited to an output power of 12 watts. The 12 W source is meant for use in small bench top systems where small size is valued.

The Rigaku NEX CG combines secondary and polarization target excitation, with a high performance SDD detector, to deliver optimal EDXRF sensitivity. In conjunction with UltraCarry, the NEX CG is an ideal tool for the trace elemental analysis of aqueous solutions down to parts-per-billion levels. This technique is suitable for many applications, including: 1) monitor effluents, waste streams, and discharge waters; 2) screen for common metals; 3) measure hazardous elements; 4) QC of production rinse waters; 5) pavement run-off; 6) storm water run-off; 7) agricultural run-off; 8) site remediation; and 9) soil leachates.

The United States Pharmacopeia (USP) is in the process of developing new USP chapters and for the measurement of inorganic contaminants in pharmaceutical samples. While samples can be dissolved in aqueous or organic solvents, the large majority will require digestion, and closed vessel microwave digestion is stipulated by USP. Single reaction chamber (SRC) microwave digestion is a new type of closed vessel digestion that was developed by Milestone and offers many advantages over closed vessel digestion-particularly for pharmaceutical sample types.

The Z-500 also analyzes base metals and trade elements, including Mg, Ti, V, Cr, Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, and others. Trace metals of commercial interest or as pathfinders including Li, Be, B, C, and halogens including F, Cl, and Br are also analyzed. Figure 2 shows results for Li analysis, as an example. The results for lithium analysis were reasonably good. While there is some scatter in the data, the HH LIBS is measuring very low concentrations, in the 10–30 ppm concentration range. In general, the results for B, Be, Mg, Ba, and other elements were comparable, in terms of correlation, with the Li data.

ICP-OES has been an important technique in the petroleum/petrochemical analysis laboratory due to its ability to determine a range of elements and concentrations in both aqueous and organic samples. This application note will demonstrate the ability of the Teledyne Leeman Labs Prodigy7 ICP-OES to determine a range of elements in petroleum samples.

X-ray techniques play an important role in preservation and restoration science. In order to appraise the authenticity of cultural works and ensure proper preservation and restoration, it is crucial to carry out accurate analysis of materials while ensuring that they are not destroyed. This paper discusses the requirements for carrying out XRD measurements of cultural property samples using the latest micro-XRD instruments.

Elemental analysis of materials at line is improving product quality, consistency, and maximizing throughput versus traditional lab-based QC methods. Learn analytical results from a new generation of rugged, portable, lab-quality XRF spectrometers.

The Rigaku RPF-SQX software automatically deconvolutes spectral peaks and models the sample matrix and X-ray absorption/enhancement effects using fundamental XRF equations. The RPF-SQX software is simple to use and offers many ways to craft a matrix model based on the specific fly ash composition, allowing semi-quantitative analysis without the use of reference standards.

The 12 W miniature source has a higher voltage and a much higher emission current than our present miniature X-ray sources, which is an advantage for a number of applications.

An ICP optical spectrometer suffers from many challenges when faced with high salt samples. This work describes the selection of the best components and accessories for this application.

This paper describes a handheld LIBS device that analyzes major elements, transition and heavy metals in geochemical samples. A breakthrough of this technique is the ability to analyze very low atomic number elements including H, Li, Be, B, C, F, Na and others never before measured in the field with a handheld analyzer.

Paper and plastic are coated with a thin layer of silicone during the manufacture of labels, tape or other adhesives, or as a barrier coating against air in the packaging of food, medical products and other materials. EDXRF analysis with the Rigaku NEX QC is shown to be an excellent tool for measuring silicone coating to ensure the proper physical properties of the product are maintained.

The analysis of naphtha was accomplished without dilution. A reduced nebulizer gas flow and a spray chamber temperature of -25C yielded the highest sensitivity and best precision and detection limits.

Strategic modifications were made to the sample introduction system of an ICP optical spectrometer in order to improve precision, reduce drift and carryover, lower detection limits and speed analysis.

Using EDX and FTIR techniques in conjunction with one another permits a more detailed elucidation of contaminant characteristics, thereby enhancing the validity of the respective results. This note presents an example of the analysis of various types of foreign matter entered during the food manufacturing process.

This application is a comparative study of Groundwater, ERM-CA615, EPA Method 245.7 and ISO Method 17852 using a Mercury analyzer. Contamination, interferences and sample preparation are a few of the major obstacles that can arise when monitoring Mercury at this level. Mercury is prevalent through point source contamination that often comes from industry and bio-accumulation.

Moxtek’s MAGPRO miniature x-ray source which is capable of up to 60 kV 200 μA and down to 4 kV and 1000 μA, and limited to an output power of 12 Watts. The 12W source is meant for use in small beach top systems where small size is valued.

Moxtek’s MAGPRO miniature x-ray source which is capable of up to 60 kV 200 μA and down to 4 kV and 1000 μA, and limited to an output power of 12 Watts. The 12W source is meant for use in small beach top systems where small size is valued.

Activated charcoal is used as a filter medium. As activated charcoal is processed, sulfur and chlorine levels are monitored EDXRF offers a fast and simple low cost method of measurement.