Environmental Analysis

A recent study examined how Raman spectroscopy, when combined with machine learning (ML), can detect and analyze fertilizer nutrients.

In 2024, we launched multiple content series, covered major conferences, presented two awards, and continued our monthly Analytically Speaking episodes. Below, you'll find a selection of the most popular content from Spectroscopy over the past year.

A new study in Infrared Physics & Technology highlights the pivotal role of Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy in identifying and quantifying microplastics, emphasizing its advantages, limitations, and potential for advancement in mitigating environmental pollution.

Aleksandra "Sasha" Karapetrova and Win Cowger discuss their research using µ-FTIR spectroscopy and Open Specy software to investigate microplastic deposits in remote snow areas, shedding light on the long-range transport of microplastics.

A recent study reveals widespread and increasing microplastic contamination in the soils of Phoenix and the Sonoran Desert, highlighting significant environmental concerns and the need for further research into their sources and impacts.

We examine some more of the latest articles that highlighted recent studies in environmental analysis.

A recent review article looks at how wetland ecosystems are being monitored using remote sensing technologies and imaging spectroscopy to better manage them.

A recent study examined how spectroscopic techniques, such as laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and single-particle aerosol mass spectrometry (SPAMS), are monitoring indoor air quality.

Researchers have developed a novel method combining near-infrared (NIR) and mid-infrared (MIR) diffuse reflectance spectroscopy with advanced data fusion techniques to improve the accuracy of non-structural carbohydrate estimation in diverse tree tissues, advancing carbon cycle research.

Webinar Date/Time: Fri, Dec 6, 2024 11:00 AM EST

Researchers in China have developed a novel workflow for near-infrared reflectance spectroscopy (NIRS or NIR) that enhances the detection of low-level petroleum hydrocarbon pollution in soils, revealing new diagnostic features and significantly improving sensitivity for environmental monitoring.

Top articles published this week include highlights from the Eastern Analytical Symposium, a news article about the infrared (IR) spectroscopy market, and a couple of news articles recapping spectroscopic analysis of microplastics.

Researchers from Northwest University in Xi’an, China, developed a novel portable Raman spectroscopy method with advanced chemometric techniques to accurately quantify harmful polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in oily sludge.

Researchers from India developed a new micro-Raman spectroscopy system to detect and analyze microplastics.

Microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs) are emerging contaminants requiring robust analytical techniques for identification and quantification in diverse environmental and biological matrices. This review highlights various spectroscopy methods, such as Raman, FT-IR, NIR, ICP-MS, Fluorescence, X-ray, and NMR detailing their methodologies, sample handling, and applications for characterizing MPs and NPs.

Researchers from Sichuan University and the University of Georgia have developed an advanced method combining Raman spectroscopy and chemometric analysis to effectively identify and distinguish between various PFAS compounds, improving detection and environmental monitoring capabilities.

A recent study examined using surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopy (SERS) imaging in pesticide residue detection.

A compilation of some of the latest studies in environmental analysis is presented below.

A recent study from the National Institute for Laser, Plasma, and Radiation Physics in Romania examined the ozone concentration in Magurele, Romania using photoacoustic spectroscopy.

A recent study examined how to classify commercial wood species in Brazil using Fourier transform-infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy.

Posters at the 2024 conference will feature research on a variety of topics from distillate product analysis to determining organic chloride in crude oil.

A recent study from Heliyon examined microplastic contamination in soda beverage packaging.

A recent review article published in the Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry describes the latest advancements in environmental monitoring while expanding the capabilities of inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS).

A recent review article evaluates how artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) are being used to assess water quality.

A recent review article examines the historical progression of analytical techniques in geochemical sciences, including X-ray fluorescence (XRF).

A recent study from Australia used mid-infrared (MIR) spectroscopy to analyze the spectra of soil core samples taken from vegetated coastal ecosystems (VCEs).

Webinar Date/Time: Tue, Oct 8, 2024 10:00 AM EDT (4:00 PM CET)

Webinar Date/Time: Wed, Sep 25, 2024 10:00 AM EDT

In part two of our exploration of wood forensics, a deep dive of a recent study from Panjab University explains why attenuated total reflectance Fourier transform infrared (ATR-FT-IR) spectroscopy improves on traditional methods in this space.

Wood forensics is an important field that helps authenticate wood and addresses the challenges that illegal logging brings. In this multipart article, we explore the wood forensics industry, and how spectroscopic techniques are contributing to its advancement.