Multi-element Analysis Research Articles

Nickel-induced multimetal uptake in two microalgal species (Chlorella sorokiniana and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii) and its effect on growth and lipid unsaturation.

As the concern for Ni contamination in the aquatic environment escalates, efforts for microalgal use in environmental monitoring and bioremediation are increasing. This study aims to evaluate the potential of Chlorella sorokiniana and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii for Ni bioremediation by investigating their physiological stress responses in Ni-contaminated environments. The analysis focuses on how Ni(II) uptake affects cell growth, nutrient metal homeostasis, and lipid unsaturation levels, as these parameters are critical indicators of metabolic stability and resilience essential for effective bioremediation. The microalgae were grown under mixotrophic conditions in a tris-acetate-phosphate (TAP) medium enriched with Ni(II), at concentrations (1-6 mg∙L-1) exceeding those typically found in wastewater, providing insights into metal stress under severe contamination conditions. Even though increased uptake of Ni(II) was observed for both algal species, accompanied by growth suppression at high Ni(II) concentrations, multi-elemental trace analysis revealed a significant, Ni concentration-dependent, uptake of growth media essential metals as well. Specifically, for both algal species, Zn uptake concentrations increased by approximately 20 times when going from control cultures, with no Ni(II) added, to cultures incubated with increasing Ni(II) concentrations. Overall, Zn uptake was determined to be approximately 3 orders of magnitude higher than Ni(II) uptake when high concentrations of Ni(II) were present, making Zn the metal with the most significant uptake. Similar uptake trends were observed for Cu and Co for both algal species, with Cu uptake being approximately 2 orders of magnitude higher, while Co remained below the Ni(II) concentrations at high added Ni(II) concentrations. For Chlorella sorokiniana, increased Fe uptake relative to Ni(II) uptake was observed (2 orders of magnitude higher), as was the case for Mn (1 order of magnitude higher). This induced increase in uptake of some of the growth media metals was attributed to their liberation from ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA) in tris-acetate-phosphate (TAP) medium, following the addition of Ni(II), which has a higher stability constant (Kf) with EDTA and was added at concentrations comparable or higher than those of the other metals. Calculated levels of free Ni(II) and free metals in the medium matched the observed metal uptake trends as determined using multielemental inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Negative ion electrospray mass spectrometry also revealed that EDTA-metal complexes in the TAP media decreased as Ni(II) concentrations increased. The lipid unsaturation level and relative ω-3 fatty acids concentration of both microalgal species, based on 1H Nuclear Magnetic Resonance analysis, decreased with increasing Ni(II) concentration, with the decrease being more pronounced at Ni(II) incubation concentrations of 4 and 6 ppm. Unsaturation levels for individual lipid classes [monogalactosyldiacylglycerol (MGDG), digalactosyldiacylglycerol (DGDG), and sulfoquinovosyldiacylglycerol (SQDG)] in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii cells were also studied using positive ion mode electrospray mass spectrometry. At the highest Ni(II) concentrations, an overall reduction in unsaturation levels was observed for all 3 lipid classes, indicating a significant impact of elevated metal ion concentrations on membrane fluidity and therefore on cellular physiology and metabolism. Comparison of the two microalgal species under Ni-enriched conditions shows that Chlorella sorokiniana exhibits greater tolerance to the metal-induced stress under study than Chlamydomonas reinhardtii, suggesting its higher efficiency for the bioremediation in Ni-contaminated environments.

Insights from multiple stable isotopes (C, N, Cl) into the photodegradation of herbicides atrazine and metolachlor.

Many processes can contribute to the attenuation of the frequently detected and toxic herbicides atrazine and metolachlor in surface water, including photodegradation. Multi-element compound-specific isotope analysis has the potential to decipher between these different degradation pathways as Cl is a promising tool for both pathway identification and a sensitive indicator of degradation for both atrazine and metolachlor. In this study, photodegradation experiments of atrazine and metolachlor were conducted under simulated sunlight in buffered solutions (direct photodegradation) and with nitrate (indirect photodegradation by OH radicals) to determine kinetics, transformation products and isotope fractionation for C, N and for the first time Cl. For metolachlor, the C-Cl dual isotope slope (ΛC/Cl=0.46±0.19) is identical to previously reported values for hydrolysis and biodegradation in soils, suggesting the same reaction mechanism (C-Cl bond breakage by SN2 nucleophilic substitution). For atrazine, both direct and indirect photodegradation resulted in a pronounced inverse isotope effect for chlorine (εCl=6.9±3.3 ‰, and εCl=2.3±1.2 ‰, respectively), leading to characteristic dual isotope slopes (ΛC/Cl=-0.49±0.17 and ΛC/Cl=-0.31±0.10, respectively). These values are distinct from those previously reported for abiotic hydrolysis, biotic hydrolysis and oxidative dealkylation which are all relevant processes in surface water, opening the path for pathway identification in future field studies.

AF4/ICP-ToF-MS for the investigation of species-specific adsorption of organometallic contaminants on natural colloidal particles.

Organotin (OT) compounds, while crucial in many industrial applications, pose substantial risks to the environment and human health. The toxicity and environmental behaviour of OTs depend on their chemical form, i.e., the type and number of organic substituents. Each species thus exhibits distinct toxicity profiles and varying binding affinities to environmental colloids, which influence their mobility, bioavailability, and environmental impacts. To date, however, most studies addressed speciation and colloidal characterization separately, leaving the combined determinations of organometallics along with their carrier colloids largely elusive. Here, we develop and validate an on-line measurement system to quantify the adsorption dynamics of 10 OT species on natural colloidal particles (<500 nm). The approach integrates a versatile fractionation technique (AF4), with a state-of-the-art multi-element analyzer (ICP-ToF-MS), achieving Sn detection limits as low as 6.0 ng/L. The method separates colloid-free OT species from those bound to colloids and enables the determination of OT interactions with distinct colloidal fractions. Validated in both fractionation and detection, the method provides reliable data that could elucidate the species-specific and temporal aspects of species-colloids adsorption processes. The results feature comparative studies of 10 OT species, offering critical insights into OT mobility and distribution in environmental systems.

Glow Discharge Optical Emission Coded Aperture Spectroscopy.

Glow discharge optical emission spectrometry (GDOES) allows fast and simultaneous multielemental analysis directly from solids and depth profiling down to the nanometer scale, which is critical for thin-film (TF) characterization. Nevertheless, operating conditions for the best limits of detection (LODs) are compromised in lieu of the best sputtering crater shapes for depth resolution. In addition, the fast transient signals from ultra-TFs do not permit the optimal sampling statistics of bulk analysis such that LODs are further compromised. Furthermore, commercial GDOES instruments rely on a slit-based light dispersion that favors high spectral resolution at the expense of light throughput. Here, a new technique called glow discharge optical emission coded aperture spectrometry (GOCAS) is shown to allow both a higher spectral resolution and higher light throughput by using a coded aperture (CA) with multiple thin slits at the spectrograph's entrance to measure the convoluted spectra and compressed sensing (CS) algorithms to recover the deconvoluted spectra from the full field of view. The effects of CA characteristics on spectral reconstruction fidelity were studied and showed the best fidelity for smaller slits, 50% transmittance, and wider CA with a higher number of slits. In addition, Shearlet enhanced snapshot compressive imaging (SeSCI)GPU showed the best performance of the CS algorithms studied, including SeSCICPU, two-step iterative shrinkage/thresholding (TwIST), and alternating direction method of multipliers total variation minimization (ADMM-TV). Moreover, GOCAS is shown to be very robust against increasing detector Gaussian noise. Finally, standard reference materials are used to show up to ∼30× improved S/N and an order-of-magnitude improved LODs, at the fastest acquisition times (fraction of a ms), which has the potential to be transformative for depth profiling of nanostructured materials.

Cross-Regional Elemental Comparison of Mussels Using Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF).

This study evaluates the effectiveness of Total Reflection X-ray Fluorescence for multi-element analysis in mussels, focusing on sensitivity, precision, and detection limits. Additionally, it offers a cross-regional comparison of elemental composition in mussels from aquaculture farms in Italy, Spain, and Chile. TXRF, using suspensions of mussel samples, proved effective in detecting minor and trace elements, with recovery rates over 80% for Fe, Cu, Zn, As, and Sr. The research offers a chemical element comparison of Mytilus galloprovincialis and Mytilus chilensis mussels, revealing significant variation based on geographic origin. Correlation matrices demonstrated variable associations between elements, indicating that regional environmental conditions influence bioaccumulation. These findings deepen our understanding of how mussels accumulate elements in different environments. However, further research is needed to develop comprehensive elemental databases and to account for seasonal and temporal variations in mussels' elemental composition. This study may bring insight for food safety and public health monitoring.

Geochemical and mineralogical differences between supergene and hypogene gold mineralization and influence on gold recovery: A case study of the Faina gold deposit, Pitangui greenstone belt, Brazil

The Faina gold deposit, located in the Pitangui Greenstone Belt, NW of the Quadrilátero Ferrífero, Brazil, has produced gold from the oxidized portion of the deposit between June 2010 and June 2013. However, the deeper hypogene (sulfide-rich) section of the deposit has shown lower-than-expected recovery rates after direct leaching, leading to the interruption of gold production. This research presents a multi-methodological approach (drill core description, multi-element geochemical analyses and mineral characterization using microscopy and X-ray diffraction) to investigate describe the Faina gold deposit and identify the cause of low recoveries from the hypogene zone. The stratigraphy at Faina consists of a sequence of meta-mafic and meta-sedimentary rocks, with a thick (&gt;40m) saprolite horizon (oxidized portion). Both the meta-mafic rocks and saprolite host gold mineralization, which is identified by distinct geochemical and mineral signatures: 1) Au-As-W in the hypogene zone, with gold associated with sulfides or as disseminations in silicates and 2) Au-As-W in the oxide-rich shallower section with free-milling gold associated with quartz, iron oxide-hydroxides and clay minerals. Geochemical, mineral and textural relationships in the hypogene zone show that submicroscopic gold particles associated with minerals, that consume leaching solution minerals (arsenopyrite, pyrrhotite and berthierite) may cause refractoriness during direct leaching. Separation of gold from these mineral phases, in addition to concentration methods during ore processing may increase gold recovery. The results presented in this research emphasize the importance of a detailed geochemical and mineral characterization to reveal the contrasting mineral and chemical compositions between hypogene and oxidized zone, which may influence gold recovery.

Geographical origin traceability of kiwifruit products using stable isotope and multi-element analysis with multivariate modeling: Feature extraction, selection of model and variable, and discrimination

Geographical origin traceability of kiwifruit products using stable isotope and multi-element analysis with multivariate modeling: Feature extraction, selection of model and variable, and discrimination

Fate and degradation of methoxychlor in a contaminated aquifer: Insights from dual carbon-chlorine isotope analysis and isomeric fraction.

The combined use of isomeric fraction (IF) and multi-element compound-specific isotope analysis (ME-CSIA) was evaluated for the first time to assess the fate and degradation of methoxychlor in the environment. The concentration and carbon and chlorine isotope composition of methoxychlor and its transformation products were monitored in water and solid phases of a fractured aquifer. The results from the interception trenches water samples demonstrated that induced alkaline conditions promoted alkaline hydrolysis. Natural attenuation of methoxychlor isomers was evidenced by carbon and chlorine isotopic fractionation. The field C-Cl isotope slope (ΛC/Cl = 0.42 ± 0.06; R² = 0.98) was statistically indistinguishable (p > 0.05) from that obtained in a previous experiment (0.44 ± 0.14), confirming the occurrence of reductive dechlorination of methoxychlor isomers. P,p'-methoxychlor δ13C values in groundwater samples revealed variations linked to rainfall patterns. The extent of p,p'-methoxychlor biodegradation was calculated to be greater than 89 % across the monitoring period. The combined use of CSIA and IF evidenced that alkaline hydrolysis and reductive dechlorination did not exhibit isomeric selectivity. Differences in IF values between slurry and water samples, as well as between upstream and downstream wells, suggested variations in the environmental behaviour of the p,p' and o,p'-isomers, likely due to differing water solubilities. Overall, ME-CSIA proved to be a valuable tool for identifying, quantifying, and tracing methoxychlor degradation in this aquifer. Additionally, IF provided insights into the distinct environmental behaviour of the p,p'- and o,p'-isomers. These tools offer crucial information, valuable for decision-makers in developing remediation strategies for methoxychlor-contaminated sites.

AI-Powered Sustainable Environmental Practices using Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS)

Technological advancements in artificial intelligence (AI) have the potential to lead the way in promoting sustainable environmental practices as well as support environmental sciences and biodiversity field studies and research. The research will focus on designing an innovative system architecture that integrates laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS) with a robust machine learning (ML) framework, significantly advancing sustainable environmental practices, especially since LIBS offers rapid and precise multi-elemental analysis, while AI enhances data processing and predictive capabilities. As technological innovations advance, the integration of the suggested LIBS system and advanced AI will be pivotal in addressing environmental challenges and promoting sustainability. This paper presents LIBS analytical data used to qualitatively assess soil constituents as a case study.

Multi-element analysis of spices by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and human risk assessment in the Rabat-Salé-Témara area (Morocco)

Multi-element analysis of spices by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and human risk assessment in the Rabat-Salé-Témara area (Morocco)

Differentiation of Insect Flours by Elemental Analysis and Chemometrics: A Study Using Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS).

This study aimed to validate a method for characterizing and quantifying the multi-elemental profiles of different insect flours to enable their distinction, identification, and quality assessment. The focus was on three insect species: cricket (Acheta domesticus), buffalo worm (Alphitobiusdiaperinus), and mealworm (Tenebrio molitor). Mealworms were powdered in the laboratory through mechanical processing. Sample analysis involved acid digestion using a microwave digester, followed by profiling with Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS). This technique enabled rapid, multi-elemental analysis at trace levels. Chemometric methods, including Principal Component Analysis (PCA) for exploratory analysis, Covariance Selection-Linear Discriminant Analysis (CovSel-LDA), alongside forward stepwise LDA classification methods, were applied and compared. ICP-MS accurately detected elements at micro trace levels. Both classification models, based on different variable selection methods and externally validated on a test set comprising 45% of the available samples, proved effective in classifying samples based on slightly different pools of trace elements. CovSel-LDA selected Mg and Se, whereas the stepwise-LDA focused on Mg, K, and Mn. the validated methods demonstrated high accuracy and generalizability, supporting their potential use in food industry applications. This model could assist in quality control, facilitating the introduction of insect-based flour into European and international markets as novel foods.

Direct, rapid, non-destructive and 'white' multielemental toxicological analysis of hazardous elements with health risk assessment in candies and wrappers from Polish flea markets using portable XRF spectroscopy.

Elemental analysis of solid candy and wrapper samples from Polish flea markets was conducted using portable X-ray fluorescence (pXRF), a fast, cost-effective, and non-destructive technique. Hazardous elements were detected in candies, including Ni (5.20 ± 0.56 μg/g), Fe (17.28 ± 1.03 μg/g), Ba (41.23 ± 7.10 μg/g), Cr (9.63 ± 2.30 μg/g), Cd (0.56 ± 0.33 μg/g), and Cu (7.30 ± 1.15 μg/g), while wrappers contained high levels of Ti (13073.31 ± 106.80 μg/g), Sb (158.29 ± 5.28 μg/g), and Ba (2081.01 ± 36.42 μg/g). Health risk assessments showed Ni and Cd exceeding acceptable limits, posing risks for children consuming three candies daily. Non-carcinogenic risks from Ba and Cd also surpassed provisional tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) values. Minimal migration between wrappers and candies was observed, but extreme conditions may increase contamination. The study highlights the need for stricter food safety regulations and adoption of pXRF for rapid, non-invasive detection of hazardous elements.

Influence of excitation wavelength on LIBS (1064 nm vs 266 nm) for multi-element mortar analysis

The influence of laser parameters, such as the excitation wavelength, on the emission signal obtained by laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), has been studied since the beginning of the technique’s applications, until today. Choosing the best wavelength for a given sample, or a unique emission line, is always a challenge for researchers. This work evaluates the influence of excitation wavelength for the analyse of a full-width LIBS spectrum range. Particularly, eight different mortar samples were used in this study. Firstly, the average spectra obtained with the two excitations (266 and 1064 nm) were evaluated by superimposing the two acquired spectra, and, a trend of different behavior was observed, depending on the emission spectral region. Excitation using the 1064 nm laser was favorable for the spectral range of 180–310 nm, on the other hand, the 266 nm was for the range of 312 nm − 1000 nm. The intensities of the C I, Si I, Zr III, Sb I, Fe II, Mg I, Mg II, Ca I, Ca II, Li I, K I, and, Na I emission lines were evaluated individually, and the results followed the same behavior. The size of the crater was assessed for both lasers and showed more effectiveness for 266 nm than 1064 nm. It is observed that the temperature or ablated size was not exclusively determined for the emission signal. A competition of physical phenomena must be contributing to this. For 1064 nm excitation, the inverse Bremsstrahlung (IB) phenomenon and higher temperature caused by the greater absorption of laser light at this wavelength favored emission in the UV region of the spectrum. On the other hand, the spectra obtained by 266 nm excitation, where Photoionization (PI) effect prevail the temperature achieved in this case is more favorable for filling the levels involved in transitions in the visible and IR range.

X-Ray Fluorescence Measurements of Elements in High Matrix Solution Using Solid Substrate Having Nanoporus Structure

X-ray fluorescence (XRF) analysis can determine directly and non-destructively the elemental composition of various materials such as solid samples and water. For multi-elemental analysis of low volume (sub-milliliter levels) solution, XRF analysis combining with a droplet method is effective. In general, a dried droplet on a filter paper is analyzed in the droplet method. For measurements on high matrix solution, however, the sensitivity is reduced, resulting in large spread of values. In this study, to improve the sensitivity and repeatability of determination values of elements in high matrix solution by an XRF analysis with a droplet method, a silicon substrate having nanoporous structure was used instead of conventional filter paper. Two methods ((i) anodic etching using a hydrofluoric acid, (ii) metal-assisted chemical etching using gold and silver particles) were applied to silicon for introducing nanoporous structure on the surface of silicon. Different nanoporous structures were formed on the surface reflecting each etching condition. In the case of anodic etching, the silicon surface had spongy nanoporous structure. A dried residue containing 1 mg of the element was prepared on the etched silicon to investigate the effect of the nanoporous structure on the thickness and area of the dried residue. The size, shape and thickness of the dried residue were affected by the surface morphology of the silicon prepared by various etching conditions. Among them, the dried residue formed on anodic etched porous silicon was most circular and uniform. As compared with a flat silicon, the sensitivity and repeatability of energy dispersive XRF analysis by droplet method were improved by using a substrate having nanoporous structure. Especially, the intensity of Mg Kα increased by 11 times, and relative standard deviation (n = 5) of X-ray intensity of Mg Kα decreased by 1/5.

Preliminary XRF Analysis of Coal Ash from Jurassic and Carboniferous Coals at Five Kazakh Mines: Industrial and Environmental Comparisons

This study analyzes 105 coal ash samples from Jurassic and Carboniferous coals from five mines in Kazakhstan, Lenin, Saradyr, Bogatyr, Maikuben, and Shubarkol, focusing on the inorganic elemental compositions, their occurrence, and industrial and environmental implications. Methods include coal ash yield and volatile matter analysis, mineralogical characterization via low-temperature ash X-ray diffraction (LTA-XRD), and scanning electron microscopy with energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS). High-temperature ash (HTA) was analyzed using energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence (EDXRF), highlighting XRF’s potential for rapid multi-elemental analysis. Nine major elements (Al, Si, P, S, Fe, K, Ca, and Ti) and eleven trace elements (As, Cu, Cr, Zn, Pb, V, Ga, Mn, Ni, Y, Yb, and Zr) were identified in HTA samples through EDXRF. SEM and dendrogram analysis confirm their co-occurrence with quartz, kaolinite, pyrite, and accessory minerals such as chalcopyrite, zircon, rutile, and REE-bearing apatite. The elemental content of samples enhances industrial suitability by reducing emissions. Only Yb shows slight enrichment for economic benefits, along with La, Ce, and Nd, while concentrations of potentially toxic elements indicate minimal environmental risk. EDXRF demonstrates its efficiency for large-scale investigations, with all samples analyzed in a few days using automated overnight measurements. This approach shows promise for future studies focusing on trace elements, including REE.

Verification of a Greener Method of Sex Determination Through the Multi-Elemental Analysis of Hair Using Electrothermal Vaporization Coupled to Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry

Verification of a Greener Method of Sex Determination Through the Multi-Elemental Analysis of Hair Using Electrothermal Vaporization Coupled to Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry

Geochemical Characterization of and Exploration Guide for the World-Class Mafic–Siliciclastic-Hosted Touro VMS Cu Deposit, Northwestern Iberian Peninsula

A geochemical study was conducted on the Touro deposit, which is situated within the Iberian Variscan Massif on the allochthonous terrain of the Galicia–Tras-os-Montes Zone. This study encompassed both mineralogical and geochemical analyses of the host rocks, with a particular focus on the high-grade Fornás metamorphic unit of the Órdenes Complex. The deposit is composed of massive and semi-massive sulfides, the host rocks are amphibolites and paragneisses, and the ore is hosted in garnet amphibolites and mineralized paragneisses. A microscopic study of thin sections and over 300 electron probe microanalyses on various minerals were conducted with the objective of geochemical characterization. Furthermore, a study of approximately 6000 samples processed by mining companies for multielement analyses of over 1350 drill cores was conducted to geochemically characterize the host and mineralized rocks for use as exploration guides. Additionally, five samples underwent Sm-Nd isotope analysis. The data from the Touro Cu (Zn-Co) deposit are consistent with its classification as a mafic–siliciclastic (Besshi-type) VMS deposit constructed in a back-arc environment during the Ordovician period. Following burial and high-grade metamorphism during the Middle Devonian period, these rocks were subsequently exposed during the later Variscan deformation phases, resulting in the formation of the Arinteiro antiform.

Quality control material of bovine tail hair for multi-element analysis

Quality control material of bovine tail hair for multi-element analysis

Intra-regional classification and quality evaluation of honey from Mendoza (Argentina) based on multi-elemental analysis and chemometrics

Multi-elemental analysis of honey samples from Mendoza (Argentina) was performed with the aim of developing a reliable method for tracing honey provenance. The concentrations of twenty-six elements (Li, Na, Mg, Al, Ca, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Rb, Sr, Mo, Pd, Ag, Cd, Sn, Sb, Hg and Pb) were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), considering the most abundant isotopes. Subsequently, a comparative machine learning approach for classification and for variable selection was applied to evaluate the possibility of using them as relevant markers to predict the region where honey was produced. Our results clearly demonstrate the potential of decision tree classifiers, such as Random Forest (RF), C5.0, recursive partitioning (rpart) and conditional inference tree (ctree), as simple and agile chemometric tools for honey origin identification. Moreover, the variable selection tools reduced the elemental data matrix to only six elements (Co, Sr, Zn, Na, Rb and Li) which were identified as the most important for predicting honey origin.

Application ICP-OES to Multielement Analysis on Plastic Waste and Blends with Vacuum Gas Oil: Developing a Sample Preparation Protocol

This paper introduces a new methodology for a routine metal analysis of plastic waste (PW) and PW blended with petroleum feedstock such as vacuum gas oil and VGO (PW/VGO). For such purposes, recycled polyethylene and polypropylene plastic were selected to mimic the potential feeds to be integrated at the Fluid Catalytic Cracking unit (FCC) to produce valuable products. Elements such as P, Ca, Al, Mg, Na, Zn, B, Fe, Ti, and Si were included in the method development. Different sample preparation methods were evaluated, such as microwave-assisted acid digestion (MWAD) and dry/wet ashing, followed by a fusion of the ash with lithium borate flux. Some PW homogenization pretreatments, such as cryogenic grinding and hot press molding, were also covered. The finding of this work suggests that MWAD with HNO3 and H2O2 is adequate for both types of samples and is the quickest sample preparation; however, the sample needed to be homogenized, and recoveries for Si and Ti may be biased for PW due to the limited solubilities of these elements in the nitric acid media. Carbon removal is required before fusion sample preparation and analysis due to the amount of carbon in PW samples. The sample needed to be homogenized for wet ash fusion but not for the pre-ash (dry) method. A benefit to the damp ash pretreatment is that the ash for the sample was created in the same crucible used for fusion digestion, avoiding material loss during sample management. Fusion from wet ash or carbon removal allowed for better acid solubility for Si and Ti in PW. The results of the PW samples evaluated matched well with those of both sample preparation methodologies. For most elements, precision was &lt;10% regardless of the sample preparation; however, Fe and P had some variation using wet ash fusion, possibly due to contamination in an open digestion system or variation due to being close to the method limit of quantification (LOQ). The methodology reported here is robust enough to be implemented as routine analysis in any laboratory facility.