Microwave-based strategies for sample preparation and halogen determination in blood using ICP-MS

Ion chromatography: A comprehensive review of sample preparation methods for analysis of halogens and allied nonmetals in critically challenging inorganic matrices

The inorganic matrices such as metal concentrates, steel, cement, glass, clay, coal, graphite, rocks and sediments, ores etc. play a pivotal role in infrastructure development, transportation, and energy. The presence of non-metallic elements particularly halogens influence their quality, processing cost, and environment dynamics. The analysis of non-metals in such matrices is critically challenging due to their hardness, rigidity, and non-digestibility. This comprehensive review provides a critical comparison of various sample preparation methods in conjunction with pros and cons of advanced techniques for the detection of non-metals in complex matrices, particularly focusing on ion chromatography. Moreover, the review also addresses the challenges related to the enrichment and automation of non-metals analysis. In addition, the previous literature on non-metals determination in diverse range of inorganic matrices has been tabulated for the first time. These insights are intended to guide researchers, quality control analysts, environmental scientists, and policymakers in enhancing pollution monitoring and control strategies.

Determination of Cl and S in crude oil by ICP-OES after sample digestion by microwave-induced combustion in disposable vessels

A simple, fast and promising sample preparation method based on microwave-induced combustion in disposable vessels (MIC-DV) was developed for Cl and S determination in crude oil by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). The MIC-DV consists of a new approach of conventional microwave-induced combustion (MIC). For the combustion, crude oil was pipetted on a disk of filter paper and placed on a quartz holder, followed by the addition of igniter solution (40 μL of 10 mol L^-1 NH₄NO₃). The quartz holder was inserted into a commercial 50 mL disposable polypropylene vessel containing the absorbing solution, which was then inserted in an aluminium rotor. The combustion occurs under atmospheric pressure in a domestic microwave oven not compromising the operator's safety. The following parameters of combustion were evaluated: type, concentration and volume of absorbing solution, sample mass and the possibility of performing consecutive combustion cycles. Using MIC-DV, up to 10 mg of crude oil were efficiently digested, using 2.5 mL of ultrapure H₂O as absorbing solution. Moreover, up to 5 consecutive combustion cycles were possible without analyte losses, reaching a total sample mass of 50 mg. The MIC-DV method was validated according to Eurachem Guide recommendations. Results obtained for Cl and S by MIC-DV were in agreement with those obtained using conventional MIC, as well as those obtained for S in a certified reference material of crude oil (NIST 2721). Analyte spike recovery experiments were performed and recoveries at three concentration levels ranged from 99 to 101% for Cl and from 95 to 97% for S, indicating a good accuracy. The limit of quantification achieved by ICP-OES after MIC-DV were 73 and 50 μg g^-1 for Cl and S respectively, applying 5 consecutive combustion cycles.