ESAS 2018 - Poster Programm

Significance of the Topic

The recent poster session showcases a broad spectrum of cutting-edge analytical techniques applicable to materials science, environmental monitoring, food safety, and forensic analysis. These methods deliver high sensitivity, selectivity, and spatial resolution, addressing critical needs in research, quality control, and regulatory compliance.

Objectives and Overview of the Session

The collection of 74 posters aims to:

• Present innovations in spectroscopic and mass spectrometric methods.
• Compare univariate and multivariate approaches for complex sample matrices.
• Demonstrate hyphenated and surface-assisted techniques for enhanced detection.
• Validate new reference materials and data management tools.

Methodologies Employed

Participants employed a variety of advanced analytical platforms:

• Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy (LIBS) and continuum source graphite furnace AAS for elemental mapping.
• Laser Ablation-ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS) and hyphenated HPLC-ICP-MS for speciation and spatial distribution of trace elements.
• Total Reflection X-Ray Fluorescence (TXRF), micro-XRF and energy-dispersive XRF for solid and suspension analyses.
• Atmospheric pressure glow discharges and electrothermal vaporization ICP-OES for trace detection in liquids and solids.
• Isotope dilution techniques and design-of-experiment strategies to boost quantification accuracy.

Instrumentation

Key instruments and systems featured include:

• High-resolution continuum source graphite furnace AAS units.
• Nd:YAG and tunable laser systems coupled to LIBS setups.
• Quadrupole and high-sensitivity ICP-MS platforms with microdroplet generators.
• Field-flow fractionation and supercritical fluid extraction modules.
• On-chip drop-on-demand aerosol generators for plasma spectrometry.

Main Results and Discussion

Across multiple studies, researchers achieved:

• Enhanced discrimination of nanoparticle coatings (citrate, PVP, PEG) by solid sampling GF-AAS.
• Improved mobility profiles of platinum and palladium in soils via sequential extractions.
• Quantitative LIBS protocols for asphalt sulfur, concrete corrosion species, and soil nutrients.
• Depth-resolved isotope dilution GD-MS for battery materials analysis.
• Successful mapping of toxic metals in biological tissues and environmental matrices.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The methods demonstrated offer:

• Rapid on-site or in-lab screening of environmental pollutants.
• Non-destructive imaging for cultural heritage and forensic samples.
• Accurate speciation in food safety, pharmaceuticals, and biomedical research.
• Reliable reference materials and data workflows for QA/QC in industrial analytics.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Emerging directions include:

• Integration of machine learning for spectral interpretation and anomaly detection.
• Miniaturization and portable devices for field-deployable elemental analysis.
• Development of novel calibration strategies using isotopic and nanoparticle standards.
• Advances in multi-modal imaging combining LIBS, LA-ICP-MS, and X-ray spectroscopies.
• Green sample preparation techniques leveraging microextraction and flow-through systems.

Conclusion

The poster session underlines robust progress in atomic spectrometry, mass spectrometry, and X-ray techniques. Continued innovation in instrumentation, data processing, and sample handling promises to expand analytical capabilities across diverse scientific and industrial domains.

References

No specific literature references were provided in the source material.