ESAS 2014 - Programme posters

Importance of the Topic

The poster sessions presented on March 17–18 at the Prague–Vienna conference showcase the current breadth and depth of analytical chemistry. Experts from academia and industry share methods for trace element determination, speciation, imaging, and environmental monitoring. These advances are crucial for quality control, public health, materials characterization, and regulatory compliance.

Objectives and Conference Overview

This two‐day poster session aims to highlight innovative sample preparation, separation, and detection techniques. More than 120 contributions cover atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), inductively coupled plasma methods (ICP-OES, ICP-MS), laser‐based spectroscopies (LIBS, LA-ICP-MS, LDI-TOF), X-ray fluorescence, Mössbauer, mass spectrometry, and vibrational spectroscopy. The goal is to foster interdisciplinary exchange, identify emerging trends, and connect method developers with end-users.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Major analytical platforms presented include:

• Atomic absorption spectrometry: flame AAS, graphite furnace AAS (GFAAS), continuum source AAS (HR-CS), electrothermal vaporization (ETV‐AAS).
• Inductively coupled plasma techniques: ICP-OES, ICP-MS, solid sampling ETV-ICP-AES, hydride generation AAS.
• Laser‐based methods: laser‐induced breakdown spectroscopy (LIBS), laser ablation ICP-MS (LA-ICP-MS), solid sampling ETV-ICP-AES.
• X-ray and Mössbauer spectroscopies: total reflection XRF, energy dispersive XRF, Mössbauer spectroscopy for magnetic materials.
• Mass spectrometry: TOF-MS, quadrupole ICP-MS, MALDI-TOF, LDI-TOF, HPLC-MS, GC-MS.
• Separation and preconcentration: cloud point extraction, emulsion breaking, ion-imprinted polymers, solid phase extraction, nanoparticle dispersive extraction.

Main Themes and Discussion

Key topics include ultratrace determination of heavy metals (e.g., Se, As, Hg, Pb, Cd), speciation of metalloids in environmental and biological matrices, imaging of elemental distributions in plant, geological, and biological samples, and the development of green sample preparation approaches. Comparative studies emphasize the trade-offs between sensitivity, throughput, matrix tolerance, and portability. Novel modifiers, nanomaterials, and calibration‐free strategies were demonstrated to lower detection limits and reduce interference.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The methods presented offer:

• Enhanced sensitivity down to sub‐µg L⁻¹ or ng g⁻¹ levels for regulatory compliance in water, soil, food, and biological samples.
• Improved selectivity through speciation techniques and ion-imprinted polymers for target metals.
• Faster analysis via solid sampling, portable LIBS, and online coupling of extraction and detection.
• Reduced reagent consumption and waste generation with green extraction and solid‐based methods.

Future Trends and Possibilities

Emerging directions include automation of sample preparation, integration of machine learning for spectral deconvolution, miniaturization of spectrometers, and in situ or field‐deployable systems. The use of nanoparticles as signal enhancers and magnetic carriers is likely to expand. High‐resolution imaging combined with 3D mapping and real‐time monitoring will address complex environmental and biological challenges.

Conclusion

The comprehensive poster program demonstrates robust progress in analytical chemistry instrumentation and methodologies. By uniting traditional and cutting‐edge approaches, researchers enhance the reliability, speed, and eco‐friendliness of trace analysis. Continued interdisciplinary collaboration will drive further improvements and real‐world applications.

References

No specific references were provided in the source material.