Plasma chemistry applied to chemical analysis routines
A selection of published work applying plasma chemistry as a preparative technique to a range of chemical analysis procedures. The references are listed at the bottom of the page.
Enhanced cell culture techniques
Using Argon in a plasma barrel reactor it is possible to treat glass or polymer dishes to achieve at least double the normal cell plating efficiency. Treatment involves 3 minutes in an Argon plasma which also ensures sterilisation of the containers.
Quantitative gravimetric determination of Silicon in organo silicons
A 5 minute exposure to an Oxygen plasma of 3-5mg of various materials including dyes, polymer films, plant oils, conserving agents and food concentrates allowed subsequent gravimetric determination of Silicon in the form of Silicon Dioxide.
Quantitative titrimetric determination of Mercury in organics
A method whereby Mercury is converted into Mercury Oxide in an Oxygen plasma and, the Mercury content then evaluated by titrating the dissolved ash residue with Potassium Iodide. The procedure takes only 15 minutes for one Mercury determination.
Polarography and voltammetry for surveillance of toxic metals
Various advanced methods are compared for the analysis of trace levels of Cadmium, Lead and Copper in blood and marine samples using Oxygen ashing as a pre-treatment for biometrics. Low temperature ashing gave greatly improved accuracy and reduced contamination levels when compared to acid digestion and high temperature furnacing.
Low temperature ashing of bituminous coal
The plasma ashing method is compared to the standard muffle furnace (700oC) method and concludes that it removed organic matter leaving relatively unaltered mineral residues. A number of elements are preserved which are volatilised in the muffle furnace.
Quantitative determination of mineral content of coal
Relates a standardised plasma ashing procedure to air oxidation method (370oC) and concludes that the plasma method has advantages in applied hours and elapsed time for processing samples. Applicable to a wide range of coals, including anthracite and high pyrite coals.
Infrared spectrometry of minerals in coal
Discusses a quantitative technique as applied to a range of coals and synthetic samples after plasma ashing and concludes that minerals are preserved relatively unaltered.
Recovery of radioactive tracers from various organic substances.
A wide variety of organic materials including muscle tissue, fat , faecal matter, ion exchange resin, cellulose filters, activated charcoal and a rat were ashed to establish optimum ashing conditions. Whole blood was treated with radioactive tracers to establish recovery in relation to muffle furnacing.
AAS of Tin, Iron, Lead and Chromium in biological materials
An investigation of trace metals in various canned foodstuffs using Oxygen/Fluorine reagent gases for ashing. The procedure showed good recoveries of standards and also establish very real improvements in reduced man hours, reduced chemical cost, reduced hazards and lower contamination levels.
Cadmium in blood analysis using AAS
A method of the rapid preparation of whole blood prior to AAS. Sample holders made from PTFE, blood then spread in holder, dried at 100oC for 2 minutes and ashed for 15 minutes in 80/20 Oxygen/Carbon Tetrafluoride. Ash dissolved in Nitric Acid and transferred to AAS sample cup for direct aspiration into furnace.
Recovery of tracers from ashed blood
A listing of recoveries for 15 elements relating Oxygen plasma ashing to muffle furnacing at 700oC. The method shows vast improvements in recovery percentages with only two exceptions, Gold and Silver, which are assumed to have catalytic reactions with Oxygen.
Destruction of organics prior to AAS of Cadmium in blood
A method was established for the rapid destruction of organic material after an investigation into various mixtures of Carbon Tetrafluoride and Oxygen as the reaction gas in a plasma. The method involves ashing blood in Delves cups for 12.5 minutes in a 1+1 mixture of the two gases. After ashing the cups were transferred to an AAS for analysis of Cadmium; the method provides a rapid and accurate analysis.
References
Glow discharge surface treatment for improved cellular adhesion
L Smith, Polymer Chem Div, 170th ACS meeting, Chicago 25.8.75.
Quantitative determination of Silicon in Organo Silicon compounds
using low temperature RF-discharge Oxygen plasma.
M Velodina, Analytical Letters 10 (14), 1189-1194 (1977).
Quantitative determination of Mercury in organic materials by means
of a low temperature, high frequency discharge plasma in Oxygen.
M Velodina, Zhurnal
Polarography and voltammetry in environmental research and surveillance
of toxic metals.
H W Nurnberg. International Symposium on Industrial Electro-Chemistry,
Madras December 1976.
Trace chemistry of toxic metals in biometrics
P Valenta, Z Anal Chem. Band 285 (1977)
Studies on ecotoxicological base lines and speciation of heavy metals
in natural waters and rain
H W Nurnberg, Institute of Chemistry, Nuclear Research Centre (KFA), PO
Box 1913, D-5170, Julich, F.R.G.
Electronic low-temperature ashing of bituminous coal.
H J Gluskoter, Illinois State Geological Survey, Urbana, III USA. March
1965.
Quantitative determination of the mineral matter content of coal
by a radio frequency-oxidation technique
Frank W Frazer. Fuel 1973.
Quantitative infrared multicomponent determination of minerals occurring
in coal.
P A Estep, Anal. Chem. Vol 34. No 11. Oct 1968 Pp1454-1457
Use of electrically excited Oxygen for the low temperature decomposition
of organic substrate.
C F Gleit. Anal. Chem Vol 34. No 11. Oct 1968 pp 1454-1457
Low temperature Oxygen-Fluorine RF ashing of biological materials
in PTFE dishes prior to determination of Tin, Iron, Lead and Chromium
by AAS
E V Williams. Analyst. Sept 1982. Vol 107. pp1006-1013
Cadmium in blood analysis
Francois Claeys, Institute d’Hygiene and d’Epidemoloqie Bruxelles.
Recovery of tracers from ashed blood
Dr Piduttu, Catholic University, Rome, Dept of Industrial Hygiene.
Determination of Cadmium in blood after destruction of organic material
by low-temperature ashing
G Carter and W Yeoman. Analyst. Vol 105. March 1980 Pp 295- 297
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