Spectroscopy Techniques

In this installment, we finish our discussion of energy and elements used in atomic spectroscopy by examining an important analytical technique: inductively coupled plasma-mass spectroscopy (ICP-MS).

Here we continue the discussion of energy and elements used in atomic spectroscopy by looking at one of the most commonly used analytical techniques in the elemental analytical laboratory—inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES).

The final part in this series of pitfalls to avoid and practicalities covers the importance of cleanliness, how many standards to run, how to spot outliers, and important experimental variables to control.

Dr. Anthony Macherone of Agilent Technologies shares what he learned at Cannabis Science Conference East 2022.

The third part in this series of pitfalls to avoid and practicalities to know about discusses the importance of validating and checking your calibration to ensure quality.

In this column, we attempt to explore in depth the theory and methodology of our common laboratory techniques and show how an understanding of interworking of those techniques allow for more flexibility in analysis.

Part II of this series discusses how to measure absorbances properly, and compares the use of peak heights and peak areas in creating calibrations.

Here we discuss the importance of using standards that bracket the expected concentration range of standards in the unknowns, using the same chemical components in standards and unknowns, and making sure to minimize the error in concentration measurements of standards.

Part III discusses more on Beer’s Law and why absorptivity is important along with some of its advantages and limitations.

In part II of this series, we establish the physical basis of Beer’s Law and derive it from first principles then wrap up with a discussion of how the assumptions made in the derivation affect Beer’s Law experiments.

In this introduction to Beer’s Law, we review its use, history, and begin to cover the theory behind the equation.

A discussion on the selection of a “golden” potency method including what this method should look like, how we should go about choosing it, and more.

Let’s take a deeper look into GC instrumentation.

In part I of this series on statistical concepts related to cannabis analysis, we introduce the normal distribution, standard deviation, and how to calculate precision and accuracy.

What is the overall scope of spectroscopy and how can it be used as a tool to improve analyses?

The inter-laboratory variation problem still exists, which means laboratory certification is necessary, but not sufficient to guarantee your samples are analyzed properly. Here, Smith offers suggestions to help improve the situation.

We finish looking at liquid chromatography with a deeper examination of the mechanics, physics, and chemistry of different spectrometers that are used in analytical laboratories.

Mislabeled cannabis medicines are an on-going problem; here we discuss appropriate technologies for cannabis dispensaries to do their own testing.

This article takes a look at the major atomic spectroscopy techniques and compares their performance characteristics and in particular examines the limits of quantitation for the four heavy metals (Pb, As, Cd, and Hg) currently being regulated in cannabis and hemp by most states in the US.

In this interview, Jeffrey Williams the CEO of Exum Instruments discusses the details of how laser ablation laser ionization-time of flight-mass spectrometer (LALI-TOF-MS) is set to solve some of the many of the issues involved in sample preparation for the cannabis industry.

A novel mid-infrared spectrometer that measures total THC in dried, ground cannabis plant material in 2 min is discussed as well as the applications of this analyzer for law enforcement, forensic laboratories, and regulatory agencies.

Applications of a quantitative mid-infrared spectrometer for hemp farmers, hemp extractors, state regulators, and law enforcement are discussed.

A robust method for identifying heavy metals in cannabis samples using ICP-MS is discussed as well as highlights of the importance of sample preparation methods for a wide range of cannabis products.

Fluorescence spectroscopy was investigated as an in-line process monitoring tool for cannabis distillation to alleviate the challenges of specialized personnel, high costs, and low yields.

Lake Superior State University (LSSU) announced a strategic partnership with Agilent Technologies to facilitate education and research in cannabis chemistry and analysis through the LSSU Cannabis Center of Excellence (CoE).

Too often, cannabis laboratories get different results on the same sample. There are a number of causes and solutions. In this installment, the problem is presented along with its causes.

Cannabis distillate samples spiked with known amounts of pesticides were submitted to five cannabis testing laboratories-here are the results.

A look at the the basic principles of the major types of microwave digestion technology as well as suggestions as to which might be the best approach based on sample matrix, digestion efficiency, sample throughput, productivity, and overall cost of analysis.