Breaking Down the Latest Environmental Research in Spectroscopy

Spectroscopic techniques have been extensively used in environmental science applications. Over the past couple months, Spectroscopy magazine has covered several recent studies in this space, recapping the findings of these studies and explaining how they advance the role of spectroscopy in environmental analysis.

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Below is a compilation of these news stories that have been the most popular on our website, according to our readers and subscribers. Happy reading!

Evaluating Indoor Air Quality Using LIBS and SPAMS

A study by Yuzhu Liu and colleagues explored using laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) and single-particle aerosol mass spectrometry (SPAMS) to monitor indoor air pollution, focusing on electronic welding environments. Published in Optics and Lasers in Engineering, the research highlights the significant pollutants, including hazardous metals like lead and tin, and carbon emissions that increase with operation time (1). LIBS provided elemental analysis, while SPAMS offered isotopic and abundance data, complemented by advanced data techniques like machine learning (1). This dual-technology approach effectively identifies pollutants in real time, with potential applications in broader air quality management beyond welding operations (1).

How Raman Spectroscopy Method Can Improve PAH Detection in Oily Sludge

A study by Hua Li and Hongsheng Tang's team from Northwest University in Xi’an introduced a portable Raman spectroscopy method to quantify polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in oily sludge, a harmful byproduct of petroleum production. Published in Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, the research combined Raman spectroscopy with hybrid spectral preprocessing and backward interval partial least squares (biPLS) to enhance analysis accuracy (2). This novel approach effectively identified key PAHs, achieving high prediction accuracy with compact, field-deployable instruments (2). Offering a cost-effective, rapid alternative to traditional methods, this technique underscores the potential for portable spectroscopy in tackling environmental challenges and advancing sustainable practices in petroleum geochemistry (2).

A Review of Spectroscopic Techniques used for the Quantification and Classification of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Environment

This review article highlights various spectroscopy methods, such as Raman, Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR), near-infrared (NIR), inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), fluorescence, X-ray, and nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) (3). The review article details their methodologies, sample handling, and applications for characterizing microplastics (MPs) and nanoplastics (NPs). As the review shows, characterizing and quantifying MPs and NPs requires and can be done using a variety of spectroscopic techniques (3).

New Fluorescent Raman Technique Enhances Detection of Microplastics in Seawater

This article recaps a latest study that saw a team from the Ocean University of China, led by Qingsheng Xue and colleagues, develop a novel detection system combining fluorescence labeling with confocal Raman spectroscopy to enhance microplastic analysis (4). Published in Spectrochimica Acta Part A: Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy, the method enables precise identification of microplastics as small as 60 μm in seawater. Using Nile Red dye for fluorescence labeling and differential Raman spectroscopy to eliminate interference, the approach ensures high accuracy and rapid detection (4). Advanced sample preparation techniques further improved organic matter removal. This innovation is pivotal for monitoring microplastic pollution, aiding efforts to protect marine ecosystems and address oceanic plastic contamination (4).

Breakthrough Raman Spectroscopy Study Reveals Key to Advanced PFAS Detection

A study led by Hong Zhang and Yiping Zhao demonstrates the potential of Raman spectroscopy and chemometrics in identifying and distinguishing PFAS, overcoming challenges of traditional methods. By analyzing Raman spectra of 40 PFAS compounds, researchers linked spectral regions to key chemical bonds and functional groups, identifying subtle differences among isomers (5). Enhanced with a spectral database and advanced analysis techniques, the method offers promising applications for environmental monitoring and future on-site detection using portable technologies (5).

References

1. Wetzel, W. Evaluating Indoor Air Quality Using LIBS and SPAMS. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/evaluating-indoor-air-quality-using-libs-and-spams (accessed 2024-12-02).
2. Wetzel, W. How Raman Spectroscopy Method Can Improve PAH Detection in Oily Sludge. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/how-raman-spectroscopy-method-can-improve-pah-detection-in-oily-sludge (accessed 2024-12-02).
3. Workman, Jr., J. A Review of Spectroscopic Techniques used for the Quantification and Classification of Microplastics and Nanoplastics in the Environment. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/a-review-of-spectroscopic-techniques-used-for-the-quantification-and-classification-of-microplastics-and-nanoplastics-in-the-environment (accessed 2024-12-02).
4. Workman, Jr., J. New Fluorescent Raman Technique Enhances Detection of Microplastics in Seawater. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/new-fluorescent-raman-technique-enhances-detection-of-microplastics-in-seawater (accessed 2024-12-02).
5. Wetzel, W. Breakthrough Raman Spectroscopy Study Reveals Key to Advanced PFAS Detection. Spectroscopy. Available at: https://www.spectroscopyonline.com/view/breakthrough-raman-spectroscopy-study-reveals-key-to-advanced-pfas-detection (accessed 2024-12-02).