Monthly Archives: May 2023

Calibration curves play a crucial role in scientific analysis, enabling accurate and precise measurements of the concentration of specific elements in samples. These curves highlight a correlation between the concentration of an element in a sample and the signal produced by the measuring instrument and are a reliable way of determining unknown concentrations within a given sample. Because of their importance, accuracy and precision are essential for successful calibration as they ensure analytical results obtained are reliable.

However, in some instances, standard method calibration curves may not be enough due to the unique characteristics of the sample matrix. In these instances, custom calibration curves can be prepared with single element standards, offering tailored solutions for precise analysis. In this blog post, we will explore the process of preparing custom calibration curves from single element

Plastic products get a bad rap, but they have enabled degrees of market flexibility that were previously unthinkable. Polymers have been essential in extending the shelf-life of perishable food goods and delivering fresh drinking water to areas where it may be scarce. The toughness and extreme flexibility of plastics means they readily conform to all manner of molds to create purpose-built, hygiene-tight barriers for myriad consumables. This alone has been pivotal in reducing food waste and alleviating the burden of water scarcity worldwide. However, data from leaching studies continues to expose the hidden cost of using plastics as food contact materials (FCMs).

Leaching refers to the transfer of chemicals from plastic containers into food and beverages. It is closely linked to extraction, with the types of leaking chemicals commonly referred to as extractables

Acid digestion is a staple of wet chemistry with far-reaching applicability. It is used to dissolve samples prior to elemental analysis and is useful for preparing aqueous samples, mobility-procedure extracts, and wastes containing suspended solids. Environmental scientists also use acid digestion methods to prep geological samples, while food researchers use them for metal determination. With such a wide-ranging scope of application, it is important to understand the actual chemistry of acid digestion. 

Why Carry Out Acid Digestion?

Acid digestion serves as a critical step in sample preparation, enabling complex matrices to be converted into simplified, homogeneous solutions. This involves dissolving samples in strong acids such as nitric acid (HNO3), hydrochloric acid (HCl), and sulfuric acid (H2SO4)  a