Preanalytical stability of zinc in whole blood serum and plasma tubes as measured by ICP-OES and colourimetry.

AniGun®, a portable X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) device (Animine, France), has been calibrated for rapid, cost-effective mineral analysis of forages, enabling precise mineral supplementation in ruminant diets. This study aimed to assess the feasibility of using portable XRF for calibrating and analyzing the mineral composition of swine feces. This portable XRF offers a potentially cheaper and simpler alternative to the widely accepted inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) method for mineral analysis, requiring minimal sample preparation. A pooled set of fecal samples from a previous trial, in which 70 fattening pigs were fed varying levels of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), was used. These samples were lyophilized and analyzed for selected minerals (Cu, Zn, manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), sulfur (S), and phosphorus (P)) using ICP-OES. A pooled set of fecal samples from a previous trial, in which 70 fattening pigs were fed varying levels of copper (Cu) and zinc (Zn), was used. These samples were lyophilized and analyzed for selected minerals (Cu, Zn, manganese (Mn), calcium (Ca), potassium (K), sulfur (S), and phosphorus (P)) using ICP-OES. Thirteen fecal samples representing the highest, lowest, and median values for each mineral were selected to build a multi-elemental calibration, covering the ranges: 30-210 mg/kg for Cu; 144-849 mg/kg for Zn; 305-523 mg/kg for Mn; 9.2-16.9 g/kg for Ca; 3.1-7.8 g/kg for K; 1.1-1.9 g/kg for S; and 4.6-8.8 g/kg for P. Using these data, linearity, limits of detection, and quantification were established for each element. To validate the calibration, accuracy and precision of the XRF measurements were evaluated using random samples from the same pool. Agreement between portable XRF and ICP-OES was assessed through mean percentage bias and mean percentage recovery, with results indicating mean percentage recoveries of 97.4% for Cu, 93.9% for Zn, 96.5% for Mn, 99.2% for Ca, 95.8% for K, 94% for S, and 95.6% for P, with an approximate mean percentage bias of 4%. In summary, the portable XRF demonstrated promising accuracy for mineral quantification in swine feces, offering a rapid and economical approach to mineral analysis in fecal samples. This device has potential applications in digestibility, bioavailability, and performance studies. Further research is warranted to build additional calibrations and expand the application of this portable XRF technology to other biological tissues, such as bones and liver, as well as to complete feed and feed ingredients.

Hybridization of cokriging and gaussian process regression modelling techniques in mapping soil sulphur

Objective: To establish the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method for determination of cobalt and tungsten in the air of workplace. Methods: The cobalt and tungsten were collected by filter membrane and then digested by nitric acid, inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) was used for the detection of cobalt and tungsten. Results: The linearity of tungsten was good at the range of 0.01-1 000 μg/ml with a correlation coefficient of 0.999 9, the LOD and LOQ were 0.006 7 μg/ml and 0.022 μg/ml, respectively. The recovery was ranged from 98%-101%, the RSD of intra-and inter-batch precision were 1.1%-3.0% and 2.1%-3.8%, respectively. The linearity of cobalt was good at the range of 0.01-100 μg/ml with a correlation coefficient of 0.999 9, the LOD and LOQ were 0.001 2 μg/ml and 0.044 μg/ml, respectively. The recovery was ranged from 95%-97%, the RSD of intra-and inter-batch precision were 1.1%-2.4% and 1.1%-2.9%, respectively. The sampling efficiency of tungsten and cobalt were higher than 94%. Conclusion: The linear range, sensitivity and precision of the method was suitable for the detection of tungsten and cobalt in the air of workplace.

SummaryThe finding of bulk quantum oscillations in the Kondo insulator SmB6 proved a considerable surprise. Subsequent measurements of bulk quantum oscillations in other correlated insulators including YbB12 lent support to our discovery of a class of bulk unconventional insulators that host bulk quantum oscillations. Here we perform a series of experiments to examine evidence for the intrinsic character of bulk quantum oscillations in floating zone-grown single crystals of SmB6 that have been the subject of our quantum oscillation studies. We present results of thermodynamic, transport, and composition analysis experiments on pristine floating zone-grown single crystals of SmB6 and compare quantum oscillations with metallic LaB6 and elemental aluminum. These results establish the intrinsic origin of quantum oscillations from the insulating bulk of floating zone-grown SmB6. The similarity of the Fermi surface in insulating SmB6 with the conduction-electron Fermi surface in metallic hexaborides is at the heart of a theoretical mystery.

Fireworks produce spectacular visual effects through the combustion and explosion of pyrotechnic compositions, which are made up of oxidizers, fuels, colorants and binders. To improve safety and environmental protection, the Chinese national standard GB 10631-2013 prohibits the use of arsenic, mercury compounds and zirconium powder in pyrotechnic compositions of all firework products, and lead compounds in specific categories. Currently, the testing methods in GB/T 21242 are qualitative and often suffer from matrix interference. This study aims to establish an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) method for the rapid and accurate quantitative detection of prohibited components in pyrotechnic compositions, as the application of ICP-OES in fireworks quality control has not been explored previously. The research successfully developed an ICP-OES method. Analytical-grade reagents and standard solutions were used, and the ICP-OES operating conditions were optimized. Specific analytical lines (As 189.042 nm, Hg 194.227 nm, Pb 220.353 nm, Zr 343.823 nm) were selected to avoid interference. Different sample preparation methods were applied to effect charge and bursting charge. The calibration curves showed good linearity (correlation coefficients ≥ 0.9990), with low detection limits (0.013-0.031 μg/mL). Interference analysis confirmed negligible inter-element and matrix interference. Precision tests showed relative standard deviations of 1.64% -2.71%, and accuracy tests had recovery rates of 98.5% -101%. The established ICP-OES method enables the simultaneous determination of arsenic, lead, mercury, and zirconium in pretreated pyrotechnic compositions. With its simplicity, rapidity, low detection limits, and high precision and accuracy, this method provides a reliable approach for the quantitative analysis of prohibited components in fireworks, contributing to the quality control of fireworks products.

The comparison between inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and total reflection X-ray fluorescence spectrometry (TXRF) for simultaneous determination of metal content (Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb and Zn) in mosses from the Metropolitan Area of the Toluca Valley was performed. Epiphytic mosses (Fabriona ciliaris and Leskea angustata) were collected in two sampling campaigns and were digested with HNO3, HCl and HF for ICP-OES method and HNO3 and HCl for TXRF method. The certified reference material (IAEA-336, Lichen) and the Standard Reference Material (SRM-1573, tomato leaves) were used for the quality control and to evaluate trueness and precision. Linearity, detection and quantification limits were also determined. Results show an ICP-OES and TXRF trueness mean of 101 ± 5% and 97 ± 9%, respectively; the relative standard deviation (RSD percent) was less than 17% in both methods. The moss samples exhibit a satisfactory precision (RSD ≤ 20%), because the RSD percent for ICP-OES, from 2% to 15%, and that for TXRF, from 1% to 17%, were obtained. One factor experimental design and simple regression analysis (α = 0.05) were used to compare the ICP-OES and TXRF metal concentrations. The statistical results do not show significantly different values for Cu, Mn, Pb and Zn in both the sample campaigns. In addition, the average results for Cr in the first sample campaign (30.3 ± 11.4 mg/kg for ICP-OES and 18.6 ± 9.8 mg/kg for TXRF) and Fe values in the second sample campaign (10,810 ± 2980 mg/kg for ICP-OES and 8380 ± 2350 mg/kg for TXRF) were significantly different in both methods. These differences are attributed to an incomplete sample digestion in the TXRF sample preparation. The results of the simple regression analyses show p-value less than 0.05, which indicates an equivalent and significant relation between ICP-OES and TXRF.

Size-resolved aerosol monitoring for PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.0 was performed to qualify and quantify the elements and ions by using proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), and ion chromatography (IC) analysis. Time-resolved aerosol samplings based on 2-hour and 14-hour intervals were carried out during daytime and nighttime, respectively. Physical and chemical properties of size-resolved aerosols were investigated to characterize air quality in the national park area of Gyeongju, Korea. The PIXE and ICPOES methods made elemental mass of Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, Fe, Sr, and Pb. And ions of Na+, NH4+, Ca2+, Cl−, NO3−, and SO42− were analyzed by the IC method. The mass concentrations of Si, S, Ti, and Pb determined by PIXE showed relatively good correlation with those determined by ICP-OES. But Fe and Sr had worse correlations with an average R2 of 0.4703 and 0.4825, respectively. The PIXE method was a good alternative to measure chemical species of Al, Si, S, K, Ca, Ti, Cr, and Pb for size-resolved aerosols except Fe and Sr in this study. The average relative errors of sizeresolved elements for 2-hour and 14-hour interval collections were 10.1±5.7% (0.1–28.3%) and 9.9±7.7% (1.3–38.4%). Ammonium sulfates (AS), mineral dust (MD), and sea salt (SS) aerosols were reconstructed from the elements determined by PIXE and ICP-OES and ions obtained by IC. The mass concentration of MD was calculated with crustal elements of Al, Si, Ca, Ti, and Fe, which are associated with soil erosion. The average relative error of MD was the lowest value of 0.8% in the PM10 regime and the highest value of 10.0% in the PM1.0 regime. The average relative errors of AS for PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.0 determined by PIXE, ICP-OES, and IC showed relatively lower values of 0.8–5.7%, 1.7–5.9%, and 3.3–8.3%, respectively. The average mass concentrations of AS, MD, and SS of PM10, PM2.5, and PM1.0 except submicron SS determined by PIXE were comparable to those determined by ICP-OES and IC within the acceptable relative errors.

This chapter introduces the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) technique with a few references cited. One of the major advantages of the ICP-OES technique is its wide element coverage. Almost all elements in the periodic table can be determined by this technique. There are many sources of specific, detailed information on every aspect of the ICP-OES technique. In an ICP-OES, all samples are normally converted to liquid form first and then pumped by a peristaltic pump into the instrument. Echelle grating-based spectrometers present some unique advantages over the conventional grating-based spectrometers. The versatility of the ICP-OES makes it an almost ideal analytical technique for a wide variety of applications. Multielement analysis capability coupled with high sensitivity has made the ICP-OES a versatile tool for geological applications involving the determinations of major, minor, and trace compositio ns of various rocks, soils, sediments, and other relevant materials. Environmental samples cover too many sample types in ICP-OES applications.

Low gas flow inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry for the analysis of food samples after microwave digestion

Sodium (Na), potassium (K), and the ratio Na:K in human milk (HM) may be useful biomarkers to indicate secretory activation or inflammation in the breast. Previously, these elements have been measured in a laboratory setting requiring expensive equipment and relatively large amounts of HM. The aim of this study was to compare measurements of Na and K in HM using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) with small portable ion selective electrode probes for Na and K. Sixty-five lactating women donated 5 mL samples of HM. Samples were analyzed with two ion selective probes (Na and K) and also ICP-OES. The data were analyzed using paired t-test and Bland–Altman plots. Na concentrations were not significantly different when measured with ion selective electrode (6.18 ± 2.47mM; range: 3.59–19.8) and ICP-OES (5.91 ± 3.37 mM; range: 2.59–21.5) (p = 0.20). K concentrations measured using the ion selective electrode (11.7 ± 2.21 mM: range: 7.69–18.1) and ICP-OES (11.1 ± 1.55 mM: range: 7.91–15.2) were significantly different (p = 0.01). However, the mean differences of 0.65 mM would not be clinically relevant when testing at point of care. Compared to ICP-OES, ion selective electrode is sufficiently accurate to detect changes in concentrations of Na and K in HM associated with secretory activation and inflammation in the mammary gland.

Estimation of essential trace elements in the leaves of some Ocimum and Moringa species plants using Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) method

Elemental profiling of adrenal adenomas in solid tissue and blood samples by ICP-MS and ICP-OES

Different sample preparation methods were evaluated for the simultaneous multielement analysis of wine samples by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Microwave-assisted digestion in closed vessel, thermal digestion in open reactor, and direct sample dilution were considered for the determination of Li, Be, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Y, Mo, Cd, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Tl, Pb, and Bi in 12 samples of red wine from Valencia and Utiel-Requena protected designation of origin. ICP-MS allows the determination of 17 elements in most of the samples, and using ICP-OES, a maximum of 15 elements were determined. On comparing the sample pretreatment methodology, it can be concluded that the three assayed procedures provide comparable results for the concentration of Li, Na, Mg, Al, K, Ca, Mn, Fe, Zn, and Sr by ICP-OES. Furthermore, ICP-MS data found for Cu, Pb, and Ba were comparable. Digestion treatment provides comparable values using both total decomposition in open system and microwave-assisted treatment for Cu by ICP-OES and for Cr, Ni, and Zn by ICP-MS. Open vessel total digestion provides excess values for Cr, Mn, Fe, and Zn by ICP-OES and defect values for Se. However, direct measurement of diluted wine samples provided uncomparable results with the digestion treatment for Mn, Cu, Pb, Zn, Ba, and Bi by ICP-OES and for Mg, Cr, Fe, Ni, and Zn by ICP-MS. Therefore, it can be concluded that microwave-assisted digestion is the pretreatment procedure of choice for elemental analysis of wine by ICP-based techniques.

Objective: Human milk (HM) sodium (Na) and potassium (K) concentrations, as well as the Na and K ratio (Na:K), are associated with stages of lactation and breast health. Portable point-of-care instruments to measure HM biomarkers related to secretory activation or tight junction disturbances would supply clinicians immediate information for individualized lactation care. This study compared HM concentrations of Na and K and Na:K measured by a biochemist with inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and measured by a clinician with ion-selective electrode probes (ISEPs). Design: HM samples (n = 92) were participant collected and donated on day 10 postpartum through a convenience sample of breastfeeding women in West Michigan. Na and K concentrations were determined using ICP-OES and ISEPs. Bland-Altman plots, paired sample t-test, and logistic regressions were completed using R 3.4.4 and R Studio 1.2.1335 with package Lattice. Results: Na concentrations were not significantly different with ICP-OES (13.0 ± 14.8 mM) and ISEPs (12.6 ± 13.7 mM, p = 0.06), whereas K concentrations (ICP-OES 16.1 ± 1.9 mM, ISEPs 14.4 ± 2.4 mM, p < 0.001) and Na:K (ICP-OES 0.81 ± 0.92, ISEPs 1.01 ± 1.62, p = 0.011) were significantly different. Between both methods, the Na, K, and Na: K linear relationships were statistically significant. Conclusion: With additional longitudinal and clinical usefulness research clinicians could use ISEPs to collect and interpret relevant lactation data to support individualized lactation interventions.

Pozzolanic materials, known for their superior performance in enhancing the strength and integrity of well cements along with their significantly reduced carbon footprint, have been receiving much attention. The elemental characterization of pozzolanic materials is crucial because it affects the reactivity of cementitious fluids and thus the overall efficiency of a cementing job. This study investigates the elemental analysis correlation between inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectrometry techniques using machine learning (ML) algorithms. ICP-OES is known for its high accuracy and low detection limit, but it can be labor-intensive and time-consuming because of the tedious sample preparation involved, which also raises chemical safety concerns. In contrast, XRF requires minimal sample preparation and offers quick analysis. However, the XRF results are subject to matrix effects. The goal of this study is to harness the power of ML to recognize and reduce the matrix interference in XRF, enabling the substitution of ICP-OES with XRF in practical well cementing applications. A comprehensive dataset of over 100 unique pozzolanic materials, sourced from various suppliers worldwide, was compiled using ICP-OES, XRF, and other material characterization techniques. A family of ML regression models was optimized, primarily focusing on the simple and efficient principal component regression (PCR) and partial least squares (PLS) algorithms, while also exploring other linear, nonlinear, kernel-based, and decision tree-based ML models. These models were trained using full XRF spectra (both raw and after preprocessing), with ICP-OES measurements serving as the ground truth. Model predictions on an independent test set were critically evaluated and compared, resulting in the development of an optimal ML workflow. Rigorous reproducibility analysis was also conducted for both analytical techniques. The ML models demonstrated prediction errors of less than 5% (range-normalized root mean square error) for the 12 main elements of interest when applied to the XRF spectra. This suggests that ML-enhanced XRF spectrometry can effectively replace ICP-OES, significantly reducing the labor and time required for the elemental analysis of pozzolanic materials. This study, pioneering the use of ML to enhance the elemental analysis of pozzolanic materials, offers a robust framework for future practical applications of XRF material characterization in the oilfield industry and beyond. The proposed approach will lead to informed decision-making regarding the formulation of pozzolan-based well cementing slurries. Leveraging advanced analytical techniques to ensure their effective use in cementing applications aligns with the industry's ambition to use environmentally benign materials.