Applications

The increasing popularity of steviol glycosides as low-calorie sweeteners requires standardized analytical methodologies for reliable quality and stability assessment. Moisture content is a critical determinant of rebaudioside M shelf life, and its quantification via oven-based sample preparation coupled with volumetric Karl Fischer titration provides a precise and reproducible approach. Integration with automated systems such as the 874 Oven Sample Processor further enhances analytical throughput and operational efficiency.

NIRS can simultaneously measure several quality parameters in hops like cohumulone, hop oils, and moisture content, the hop storage index (HSI), and alpha and beta acids.

NIRS simultaneously measures important quality parameters in whey permeate (i.e., ash, phosphate, lactose, protein, pH, and moisture) without any sample preparation.

Many fermentation quality parameters can be monitored simultaneously directly in the tank with inline near-infrared spectroscopy, such as the 2060 The NIR Analyzer.

Free white paper gives comprehensive overview of how to reliably assess the quality of infant formula with ion chromatography.

The manufacture of ultrapure water for the pharmaceuticals industry or the semiconductor industry requires high-quality ion exchangers. Metrohm Combustion Ion Chromatography is an indispensable tool in this connection for testing the purity of anion exchange material. The output sample was wet and had to be dried at 105 °C in a special oven with waste air evacuation.Keyword: pyrohydrolysis

Polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) is a linear polymer, used in a variety of medical products (e.g. eye drops). Here, the degree of alcoholysis is an important index for the water solubility, viscosity, and adhesion of the product. The degree of alcoholysis is defined as the percentage of hydroxyl functional groups compared to the total functional groups accessible in the molecule. Conventional alcoholysis determination can take up to six hours per sample. Compared to the primary method, analysis with near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) only takes one minute. The following application note describes the determination of the degree of alcoholysis by NIRS.

The analytical challenge treated in the present work consists in detecting trace concentrations (ppb) of bromide in the presence of a strong chloride matrix. This problem was overcome by separating the bromide ions from the main fraction of the early eluting chloride matrix (several g/L) by applying two sequential chromatographic separations on the same column. After the first separation, the main fraction of the interfering chloride matrix is flushed to waste, while the later eluting anions are diverted to an anion-retaining preconcentration column. After elution in counter flow, the bromide ions are efficiently separated from the marginal chloride residues. The four-point calibration curves for bromide and sulfate are linear in the range of 10…100 µg/L and 200…800 µg/L and yield correlation coefficients of 0.99988 and 0.99953 respectively. For the method shown here, a second injection valve and a preconcentration column are the only additional devices needed to master this demanding separation problem.

Total chromium can be determined in wastewater samples. UV digestion is necessary to remove interfering organic matter before the analysis. Complete oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) is guaranteed by an additional UV irradiation step at pH > 4.

Tin can be determined in wastewater by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) in oxalate buffer after addition of methylene blue. Samples with organic substances have to undergo UV digestion before analysis. Samples with higher concentrations of metals can be diluted before digestion.

Thallium in wastewater is determined in acetate buffer in presence of EDTA by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). Samples with organic substances have to undergo UV digestion before analysis.

On the basis of the experiments that have been performed, it is possible to determine the effectiveness of the ozonization of iodized X-ray contrast media using IC-ICP-MS via the amount of iodate formed. Whereas a 120-minute ozonization guarantees a practically quantitative decomposition of amidotrizoic acid to iodate, approximately 16% of the Iomeprol is still present under the same ozonization conditions. Given that only 14% is present in iodate form in the absence of iodide anions and given that additional, not yet identified peaks occur in the ion chromatogram, the presence of additional decomposition products containing iodine must be assumed. Nonetheless, it is not possible to detect the intact iodized X-ray contrast media with the selected ion chromatographic conditions. Furthermore, the possibility exists of identifying the peak of the unknown decomposition product of the Iomeprol using IC-ESI-TOF-MS.

Sodium fluoride is used as a preservative in biological samples for alcohol analysis. All submitted blood samples, including those taken from vehicle drivers suspected of driving under the influence of liquor, have to be tested for adequate preservation prior to alcohol determination by gas chromatography. This is critical to ensure adequate sample preservation. Inadequate sample preservation may allow glycolysis and/or microorganism growth to produce ethanol.In the past this has been done by direct potentiometric measurement using a fluoride-selective electrode (F ISE), an ion meter and certified NaF standards. The sodium fluoride level was determined manually by dipping the electrode directly into the blood sample. Results were recorded manually. This poster describes two independent automated methods of analysis that allow the minimization of this tedious and time-consuming procedure.In the first one, the fluoride content in a blood aliquot is measured by direct potentiometric measurement after the addition of TISAB and deionized water. The second method employs the titration of the sample aliquot with La(NO3)3 after adding a buffer solution.

Selenium is determined by cathodic stripping voltammetry (CSV) at the hanging mercury drop electrode (HMDE). Se(IV) is deposited on the surface of the mercury drop in sulfuric acid electrolyte under addition of copper ions as Cu xSe y.Wastewater samples containing organic contaminants have to be digested by UV irradiation before analysis. In addition, the sample has to undergo a second irradiation step at pH 7−9 to reduce Se(VI) to Se(IV), since only Se(IV) is electrochemically active.

Ion chromatography trace analysis of anions in seawater is difficult, due to the high chloride concentrations. In contrast to chloride, nitrite, bromide and nitrate absorb UV radiation in the low wavelength range, thus enabling a UV detection of these three anions. This Application Note describes the separation on a column of the Metrosep Carb 2 - 100/4.0 type with a sodium chloride eluent. This minimizes the influence of the surplus chloride and enables low detection limits.

Determination of nitrite in aqueous solutions by potentiometric back-titration of the added permanganate excess with ammonium iron(II) sulfate using the Pt-Titrode.

Cation analysis by IC in wastewater is a proven method. Limiting factor is often the Na/NH4 separation. High sodium concentrations may make ammonium determination impossible due to peak overlapping. The use of sequential suppression and a Dose-in gradient improve the Na/NH4 separation and enables determination of low ammonium concentrations.

Moisture in cannabis impacts potency and must be accurately determined. Loss on drying (LOD) is the most popular method for determining moisture in cannabis. Unfortunately, this technique is not specific to moisture and the loss of any volatile components, such as terpenes, will be incorrectly classified as moisture. Karl Fischer (KF) titration is the only chemically specific test for moisture. This poster describes the instrument used to determine moisture content by Karl Fischer titration and compares the results of this data to loss on drying.

Near-infrared spectroscopy is used for a wide range of analyses. Thanks to its fast and non-destructive determination, NIRS is outstandingly suited to quality control of products and raw materials, whether during production or on the finished product. This Application Bulletin shows NIR applications and feasibility studies from the lacquer and paint industry performed using NIRSystems devices.

The content of organic matter, limestone, silt, clay, and sand, along with pH value and exchangeable calcium and magnesium in soil can be determined in seconds with NIRS.

This Application Note presents the Mott-Schottky measurement, an extension of electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS), on a popular semiconducting material.

Sequential suppression in cation chromatography significantly improves detection limits. The determination of the blank value of the sample vial being used is thus essential for being able to achieve such low detection limits. The leaching tests of various sample vials proceed with the intelligent Preconcentration Technique with Matrix Elimination on the Metrosep C Supp 1 - 250/4.0 column with conductivity detection following sequential suppression. The 50 mL Corning® Cell Culture Flasks from Sigma-Aldrich (CLS430168) exhibit the lowest blank values.

Efficiently analyze food products with ion chromatography (IC). Discover its robust applications in quality control for beverages, food additives, and dairy.

Improve petrochemical quality control with NIRS. Fast, cost-effective, and no sample prep needed. Learn more in our eBook.

Cr(VI) is determined by polarography at the SMDE in acetate solution containing ethylene diamine to mask interfering copper ions.Only Cr(VI) is electrochemically active. It is for that reason that all chromium compounds must be present before the analysis as CR(VI), which is guaranteed by UV radiation with a pH > 4.

Automated online analysis with the 2060 TI Ex Proof Process Analyzer facilitates constant monitoring of the crude oil desalting process according to ASTM D3230.

OMNIS Client/Server boosts business performance with scalable server management, cutting costs by reducing hardware, energy use, and maintenance across locations.

Adulteration in the food industry is a significant concern due to potential health risks and changes in product quality and nutrition. Detecting such adulteration is challenging, however, to ensure high-quality products, precise measurements during the manufacturing process are essential for identifying any contamination in raw materials and final products. This Process Application Note details the inline analysis of potato starch in the wheat flour manufacturing process with a 2060 The NIR Analyzer from Metrohm Process Analytics.

Online acid number analysis in various oil products is possible with thermometric catalytic titration according to ASTM D8045 using the 2060 TI Ex Proof Process Analyzer.

The basic chemicals industry is responsible for producing thousands of raw materials at very large scales. The industries downstream rely upon a certain level of chemical purity to manufacture their own goods, as certain impurities can cause major issues in various processes. During the production of the basic chemicals NaOH and KOH, electrolysis of saturated brine solutions with membrane-cells yield the product which is further concentrated by evaporation. Impurities from the salts used in the brine will also be concentrated. Typically, this impurity analysis is performed offline with various hazardous chemicals with varying shelf-lives. The Process Ion Chromatograph is able to perform the measurement described in ASTM E1787-16 online, ensuring quality product without the need for time-consuming, hazardous laboratory experiments.

The determination of low ammonium concentrations besides excess sodium is demanding due to the small retention time difference of these two cations. This Application Note shows direct conductivity detection as an ideal means to detect ammonium in a wastewater sample containing 400 mg/L sodium. AN-S-313 shows the analysis of nitrite traces.

This application note demonstrates EQCM D for simultaneous mass and dissipation analysis of Ni(OH)₂ electrodeposition.

This application note presents near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) for the rapid and reliable simultaneous quantification of ethanol, glycerol, hydrogen peroxide, and water content in hand sanitizer formulations.

Advances in polymeric membranes and screen-printed technologies have enabled miniaturized, portable potentiometric sensors ideal for point-of-care analysis.

Specialty chemicals have to fulfill multiple quality requirements. One of these quality parameters, which can be found in almost all certificates of analysis and specifications, is the moisture content. The standard method for the determination of moisture content is Karl Fischer titration.This method requires reproducible sample preparation, chemicals, and waste disposal. Alternatively, near-infrared spectroscopy (NIR) can be used for the determination of moisture content. With this technique, samples can be analyzed without any preparation and without using any chemicals.

The planarity and smoothness of silicon wafers are fundamental to manufacture optimal semiconductor devices, and Chemical Mechanical Planarization (CMP) is the most common technology used to achieve ultra-flat surfaces. A slurry is used for this purpose, composed of deionized water, a colloidal silicon or alumina liquid dispersion, and hydrogen peroxide, which has to be constantly monitored at all times.Online monitoring of the CMP process is necessary to avoid chemical waste and enhance wafer production yields. Metrohm Process Analytics can measure not only the H2O2 concentration, but also pH, conductivity, and temperature using the multipurpose 2060 Process Analyzer.

This Application Note demonstrates the use of NIR spectroscopy for the rapid, simultaneous determination of key quality parameters in semola and semolina flours, including protein, moisture, ash content, gluten, and water absorption. Compared with conventional reference methods, NIRS provides a faster, simpler, and highly accurate alternative with excellent precision, enabling efficient quality control and consistent production of high-quality pasta products.

Determination of sodium in seawater and similar brines. This procedure is suitable for the analysis of sodium in seawater contaminated with sodium aluminate solutions emanating from alumina refineries, and seawater which has been used for the neutralization of alumina refinery waste («red mud») slurries.

Determination of total halides (Cl- + Br- +I-) in seawater and similar brines. This procedure is suitable for the analysis of total halides in seawater contaminated with sodium aluminate solutions emanating from alumina refineries, and seawater which has been used for the neutralization of alumina refinery waste («red mud») slurries. Given the small concentration of bromine andiodine in seawater, the total halide content approximates the chloride concentration.

Polyols are widely used as polyurethane feedstocks, where tight quality control of parameters such as hydroxyl value, acid number, moisture, and viscosity is essential. Conventional titration methods are standardized but slow and costly due to hazardous chemicals and waste handling. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), recognized by ASTM for hydroxyl value determination, enables rapid, reagent-free, multiparameter analysis of polyols with significantly lower operating costs.

Tafel analysis is an important electrochemical technique used to understand reaction kinetics. By studying the Tafel slope, it reveals the rate-determining steps in electrode reactions, aiding fields like corrosion and fuel cell research. This method helps industries optimize processes and improve device performance by tailoring materials and conditions for greater efficiency.

Determination of sodium and potassium salts of carboxylic acids in aqueous media. May be used for analysis of reagent purity.

Ion measurement can be conducted in several different ways, e.g., ion chromatography (IC), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), or atom absorption spectroscopy (AAS). Each of these are well-established, widely used methods in analytical laboratories. However, the initial costs are relatively high. In contrast, ion measurement by the use of an ion-selective electrode (ISE) is a promising alternative to these costly techniques. This White Paper explains the challenges which may be encountered when applying standard addition or direct measurement, and how to overcome them in order for analysts to gain more confidence with this type of analysis.

Metal precipitation and cyanide recovery in the SART process (sulfidization, acidification, recycling, thickening) depend to a great extent on the sulfide concentration. Among the flow injection analysis methods coupled to wet-chemical analyzers, the combination of a gas diffusion cell with an ion chromatograph (IC) plus subsequent direct spectrophotometric detection has proven to be one of the most convenient methods of sulfide analysis.This paper deals with the determination of sulfide anions via the coupling of a gas diffusion cell to an IC with subsequent spectrophotometric detection.

Speciation analysis is an important tool in analytical chemistry giving information about the quantitative distribution of different oxidation states of one and the same metal ion. The speciation of iron(II) and iron(III) (Fe 2+/Fe 3+) is achieved by ion chromatographic separation of their anionic dipicolinic acid complexes. Afterwards, post-column reaction with 4-(2-)pyridylazo-resorcinol (PAR) allows VIS detection at 510 nm.

The potentiometric titration of Kjeldahl nitrogen is one of the most common analytic procedures. It is referenced in numerous standards, ranging from the food and animal feed industries through sewage and waste analysis and all the way to the fertilizer industry. As a rule, the samples are digested with concentrated sulfuric acid with the addition of a catalyst. The ammonium sulfate that is formed is distilled as ammonia in alkali solution, collected in an absorption solution and titrated there.This Bulletin provides a detailed description of potentiometric nitrogen determination following distillation of the digestion solution, followed by a discussion of the possibilities of coulometric titration (without distillation).

Inline Ultrafiltration is a proven sample preparation technique for samples that are slightly or massively contaminated with particles, algae or bacteria. Filtration and injection are coupled and fully automatic. As a rule, 100 or more samples can be filtered through a single membrane. Service life is extended – even with highly contaminated tannery effluent – to more than 300 injections because the filter membrane is rinsed again once more after the analysis with the aid of the Dosino backflush.

Cation content in snow is greatly dependent on sampling site. Samples from remote areas are expected to exhibit lower cation concentrations. This application shows the analysis of a snow sample from an open field in an agricultural zone. Separation is performed on a microbore Metrosep C 6 - 100/2.0 column with direct conductivity detection. The relatively high ammonia content can be explained by animal husbandry in the vicinity of the sampling site.

Cation content in snow is greatly dependent on sampling site. Roadside samples are likely to exhibit a high sodium content caused by the use of road salt. This application shows the analysis of a snow sample from a roadside. Separation is performed on a microbore Metrosep C 6 - 250/2.0 column with direct conductivity detection. The 250 mm column was selected due to the large difference in concentrations between sodium and ammonia. This condition enables a baseline separation of the two cations.

The present Application Bulletin contains NIR applications for the determination of important parameters for pulp and paper quality analysis. Each application describes the instrument that was originally used for the analysis, as well as the system recommended for the analysis and the results that were achieved thereby.

Spectro electrochemiluminescence experiments comparing photodiode and microspectrometer detectors, showing how each sensor captures ECL signals for the analysis of single and dual luminophore systems.

White paper on monitoring corrosion and the benefits of online or inline chemical analysis over manual sampling and offline laboratory methods for corrosion monitoring. Online and inline process application solutions for corrosion prevention with related application notes for further information are presented.

Near-infrared spectroscopy streamlines ethylene tetrafluoroethylene production by offering rapid, chemical-free analysis of melt flow rate and moisture content.

Functional group and viscosity analysis (ASTM D789) of polyamides can be a lengthy and challenging process due to the sample’s limited solubility. This application note demonstrates that the DS2500 Solid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for a simultaneous determination of the intrinsic viscosity as well as the amine, carboxylic, and moisture content in polyamides. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the analysis of polyamides in less than a minute.

For lubricant analysis, determination of the Acid Number (ASTM D664), viscosity (ASTM D445), moisture content (ASTM D6304), and color number (ASTM D1500) require the use of multiple analytical technologies and, in part, large volumes of chemicals. This application note demonstrates that the XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer operating in the visible and near-infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a fast and cost-efficient alternative for the determination of the AN, viscosity, moisture content, and color number of lubricants. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for multi parameter analysis of lubricants in less than one minute.

Differentiation between Cr(III) and Cr(VI) is possible following ISO 24384 guidelines by combining ion chromatography with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

This document outlines complexometric and potentiometric determination of metal ions via EDTA titration using a copper-selective electrode (Cu-ISE) with a durable epoxy shaft and crystal membrane. Because the electrode is insensitive to complexing agents, a preformed Cu–metal complex must be introduced into the sample prior to analysis. The method, applicable to direct or back-titration, exploits EDTA–metal formation constants to define equivalence points and enables quantification in several different matrices.

The present Application Bulletin elucidates several applications for the polymer industry that can be carried out with the aid of NIR instruments. This Bulletin contains analyses of a wide range of parameters in a very large array of samples. The hydroxyl number is one of the best-known of the parameters that can be determined rapidly using near-infrared spectroscopy. The determination of the hydroxyl number in different areas and in different polyol types is also a part of this Bulletin. Each application describes the sample and the instrument that was originally used for the analysis, as well as the recommended instruments and the results.

EC-SERS enhances Raman sensitivity using electrochemically activated gold SPEs, enabling rapid, simplified pesticide detection without complex prep or instrumentation.

Determination of key quality parameters of palm oil, namely free fatty acids (FFA), iodine value (IV), moisture content, deterioration of bleachability index (DOBI), and carotene require the use of several different analytical methods, which are laborious and can lack in accuracy. This application note demonstrates that the XDS RapidLiquid Analyzer operating in the visible and near infrared spectral region (Vis-NIR) provides a cost-efficient and fast solution for the determination of these quality control parameters in palm oil. With no sample preparation or chemicals needed, Vis-NIR spectroscopy allows for the analysis of palm oil in less than a minute and can be used by anyone.

Research laboratories must expand their capabilities to routinely analyze candidate microplastics from environmental samples to determine their origin and help predict biological impacts. Spectroscopic techniques are well suited to polymer identification. Laboratory Raman spectroscopy is an alternative to confocal Raman microscopes and Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) microscopes for quick identification of polymer materials. Raman microscopy was used to identify very small microplastic particles in this Application Note.

Stearic acid and stearate derivatives are produced through multistep processing and require monitoring of key quality attributes, including iodine value, acid value, moisture, ash content, melting point, and granulometry. This study demonstrates that near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy with the OMNIS NIR Analyzer enables rapid, nondestructive quantitative analysis of these parameters for both in-process and final-product samples.

Microbore ion chromatography offers better sensitivity, shorter retention times, and consumes less eluent, increasing sample throughput and reducing running costs.

Online mercaptan and H₂S monitoring with the 2060 TI Ex Proof Analyzer certified for Zone-1 and Zone-2 areas.

This Application Note demonstrates square wave voltammetry for sensitive, reproducible quantification of paracetamol using a screen-printed electrode and INTELLO.

This Process Application Note presents a method to accurately monitor lactic acid and glucose inside a bioreactor in «real-time» with the 2060 Raman Analyzer from Metrohm Process Analytics.

Lithium is a soft alkali metal that is typically obtained from salt lake brines. Lithium is used for many applications, but especially for production of lithium-ion batteries in electric cars, mobile phones, and more. This Process Application Note presents a method to monitor lithium as well as other cations in brines by online process ion chromatography (IC), a multiparameter analytical technique that can measure ionic analytes in a wide range of concentrations.

Corrosion of metallic components is an inherent problem for engines, because metals naturally tend to oxidize in the presence of water and/or acids. Increased acid content is indicated by a low pH value, and could lead to a variety of problems like a shorter storage life (stability) or a reduced buffer capacity of the used engine coolant or antirust.In this Application Note, engine coolants or antirust samples are dissolved in water, and the pH measurement using the Profitrode is carried out according to ASTM D1287.

The presence of acidic components in volatile solvents could be a result of contamination, decomposition during storage, distribution or manufacture. An increased acid content in solvents could lead to a variety of problems like shorter storage stability or chemical corrosion. Using the Optrode for indication, the acidity is determined by photometric titration with sodium hydroxide as titrant and phenolphthalein as indicator. If the volatile solvent is water soluble, it is dissolved in deionized water, if not, it is dissolved in carbon-dioxide free ethanol.

NIRS enables rapid, chemical-free analysis of glucose, fructose, sucrose, and Brix in fruit juices without sample prep, offering a fast alternative to traditional methods.

Organic halides must be monitored in the environment. Combustion ion chromatography (CIC) is used for accurate halogen analysis in solids following EN 17813:2023.

Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid or L-ascorbic acid, is an essential nutrient involved in the repair of tissues and the enzymatic production of certain neurotransmitters. It is required for the functioning of several enzymes and immune performance, and is also an important antioxidant. This nutrient is found in many foods and is often used as a dietary supplement.USP general chapter <580> describes a titration technique to determine the assay of Vitamin C as ascorbic acid, sodium ascorbate, and calcium ascorbate dehydrate, or their mixture in finished dosage forms as capsules, tablets, and oral suspensions. This Application Note demonstrates the Vitamin C determination in water-soluble vitamin tablets. The methodology can also be applied for oil-soluble vitamin or mineral tablets, as well as oil- and water-soluble vitamin or mineral capsules.

This application focuses on the simultaneous analysis of cations and suppressed anions with a dual channel Metrohm IC operated by OpenLab CDS.

PEDOT:PSS is a tunable, conductive coating whose properties depend on parameters such as counter-ion selection, secondary doping, and polymerization conditions. This Application Note demonstrates the combined use of EQCM-D, Raman spectroscopy, and electrochemical methods to monitor film growth, correlating frequency and dissipation changes across harmonics with in situ spectroscopic and electrochemical signals. The introduced probe-based EQCM-D platform enables simultaneous Raman acquisition, providing a powerful tool to design and optimize PEDOT:PSS coatings.

N-Methylpyrrolidone (NMP) is crucial for lithium-ion battery production. Metrohm’s intelligent Preconcentration Technique with Matrix Elimination enables µg/L-level anion analysis in NMP.

Monitoring Sb(III) stabilizer levels during electroless Ni plating is critical for high-quality coatings. Anodic stripping voltammetry offers fast, reliable Sb(III) analysis.

Acrylic dispersion paints are made of pigment suspended in acrylic polymer emulsions, which also include other organic material such as plasticizers, defoamers, or stabilizers. Acrylic dispersion paints are water-soluble but become resistant to water when dry. Due to the fact that once dry, acrylic dispersion paints can no longer be used, they should be stored air-tight at room temperature. For research purposes, it is of interest to assess the dissolved oxygen (DO) concentration in such samples as it is assumed that the DO amount can be related to the storage life. This Application Note describes a fast and accurate determination of dissolved oxygen by using an optical sensor.

Sodium fluoride gel for pharmaceutical use needs to comply with USP requirements. The actual monograph (USP 42) uses two different methods for the identification and the assay. Ion chromatography allows the analysis of these two parameters in one single determination. In the course of the USP monograph modernization, this ion chromatographic approach makes this type of analysis even easier.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) quickly assesses key quality parameters in palm oil such as iodine value and fatty acid profile without sample preparation.

Potassium ferrocyanide (KFC) is an anti-caking compound added to table salt. Although this is a common non-toxic food additive, its spectroscopic response is representative of analogous cyanide compounds. Trace detection of other cyanides in food products is essential to the safety of consumers, as they can be toxic at oral consumption levels as low as 20 μg/g.This application demonstrates rapid trace analysis of potassium ferrocyanide in table salt with Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer), in a simple assay format with minimal use of laboratory reagents.

This Application Note shows the automatic pH adjustment of a mixture of acetonitrile, water and amine using a Metrohm titrator.

Sodium fluoride tablets for pharmaceutical use need to comply with U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) requirements. Ion chromatography (IC) with suppressed conductivity detection has been approved by the USP as a validated method to quantify fluoride content in sodium fluoride tablets. In the course of the USP monograph modernization, using automated IC makes this type of analysis even easier.

This application note describes the analysis of cadmium in aqueous solution using a copper ion-selective electrode with Cu-EDTA complex used as an indicator.

The total iron content in iron ore plays a central economic role for mining companies. The higher the iron content in the ore, the more profitable the mining operation. Therefore, a fast and accurate analysis is important to determine the most profitable areas to work.The iron ore is dissolved in hydrochloric acid at 80 °C. Afterwards, the iron is quickly and accurately determined by potentiometric titration using the Pt-ring electrode and potassium dichromate as titrant.

It is crucial to monitor iodide in NaCl brine to prevent membrane fouling during chlor-alkali electrolysis. Stripping voltammetry offers precise iodide analysis.

Corn starch serves as a gelling and thickening agent in the confectionary industry. It is also an ideal reusable molding and drying medium for starch-molded candies, where its moisture content is critical to monitor. Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides a rapid, reagent-free method to determine moisture and protein content in corn starch. The technique is straightforward to operate and suitable for atline monitoring or routine quality control laboratories.

This Application Note describes carbonate determination with ion chromatography in a 50% sodium hydroxide solution. Sodium hydroxide solutions form carbonates through the absorption of carbon dioxide from ambient air. The carbonate content of an NaOH solution is determined using ion-exclusion chromatography with subsequent conductivity detection following inverse suppression. The samples are diluted 1:20 prior to the analysis and – in order to prevent CO2 absorption – stored in closed sample vessels.

Nitric acid, phosphoric acid, and acetic acid are easily determined in etching baths using thermometric titration (TET). Compared to potentiometric titration, TET is faster and more convenient. Analysis is complete in less than two minutes.

The hydroxyl number is an important sum parameter for quantifying the presence of hydroxyl groups in a chemical substance. As a key quality parameter, it is regularly determined in various polymers like resins, paints, polyesterols, fats and solvents. Unlinke other standards, ASTM E1899 works pyridine-free and without refluxing at elevated temperatures for a longer time. It is performed at room temperature, requires only a small sample size, is applicable to extremely low hydroxyl numbers (<1 mg KOH/g sample) and can be performed fully automatically. This Application Note describes the potentiometric determination of the hydroxyl number in 1-octanol and polyethylene glycol according to ASTM E1899, EN 15168 and DIN 53240-3. Using the OMNIS DIS-Cover technique all sample preparation steps can be fully automated. Moreover, the use of an OMNIS Sample Robot allows parallel analysis of multiple samples. The average time per analysis for one sample is thus reduced from approximately 24 min to 12 min., increasing productivity in the laboratory considerably.

Paraquat is a highly effective, yet exceptionally toxic herbicide used to manage weeds in agricultural operations. In recognition of paraquat’s danger, the EU and several other countries have banned its use for any application, though the US EPA permits its limited use by licensed applicators. Despite tight regulation, paraquat continues to be produced and is liberally used as an herbicide in over 100 countries without regulatory oversight.Testing for paraquat typically requires involved sample processing and analysis by trained chemists using expensive laboratory instruments such as HPLC, CE, and LC/MS. Misa achieves trace level detection of paraquat residue in tea leaves in a fully integrated, portable, smart system for easy on-site testing by non-technicians.

One of the major sources of fluoride intake for humans comes from foodstuff, such as tea. Tea actually has one of the highest potentials to increase the daily fluoride intake. Excessive fluoride intake may lead to dental or skeletal fluorosis. The World Health Organization does not recommend consuming water with a fluoride content higher than 1.5 mg/L. In the presented method according to DIN 10807, the fluoride content can be assessed quickly with an ion selective electrode.

Monitoring the range of organic acids in wine is crucial to improve flavor and quality, and to fulfill universal standardized criteria such as the International Code of Oenological Practices. Analytically, organic acids can be properly determined with ion chromatography (IC) and suppressed conductivity detection. As a multicomponent method, inorganic acids can also be resolved which are also valuable tracers for wine quality and taste. This Application Note presents two IC methods for wine quality analysis: a fast isocratic screening method of major organic acids and anions including sulfite, and a complex monitoring method with a binary gradient to separate 15 organic acids. Inline Ultrafiltration was used for economical sample treatment.

Currently, there are no simple tests to identify counterfeit beer. This Application Note demonstrates the ability of i-Raman EX, the B&W Tek Laboratory Raman instrument with a 1064 nm laser, with principal component analysis (PCA) to distinguish between beers from different brewers and from a mixture of beers.

Polarization resistance (Rp) can quantify the corrosion resistance of metals as an alternative to Tafel analysis. Its methodology and practical use as described in ASTM G59 are discussed.

Nitrosamine presence in medicines, even at trace level poses high safety risks to patients (carcinogenic). Nitrosamine formation can be avoided by controlling and monitoring the nitrite concentration in pharmaceutical products and substances. This Application Note describes the analysis of nitrite in duloxetine hydrochloride with ion chromatography (IC).

Sodium hypochlorite and sodium chloride can be effectively use as disinfectant for water and surfaces. The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends, depending on the application, concentrations in disinfectants of 1000 mg/L to 5000 mg/L NaOCl and up to 200 g/L NaCl.This Application Note demonstrates a reliable method to determine the hypochlorite and sodium chloride content in disinfectants by two subsequent argentometric titrations in the range recommended by the WHO.

Worldwide, milk and dairy products are vital sources for human nutrition. A major component and energy source in dairy products is lactose. To efficiently metabolize lactose, the enzyme lactase is indispensable. However, globally nearly 70% of the population is lactose intolerant and they have difficulties to digest lactose. Lactose malabsorption leads to numerous gastrointestinal and extra-intestinal symptoms and other complaints with varying extents. Therefore, consumers rely on accurate food labels and for manufacturers appropriate sensitive analytical techniques are a must to comply with these demands. Ion chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection (IC-PAD) enables the determination of very low lactose contents. Validation according to AOAC requirements shows the high sensitivity and reliability of this method as a routine analysis.

Acid throwing, a historical method for retribution against women, has become a modern threat of a different nature. Concentrated acids and other corrosive substances have emerged as modern tools of social violence. Aggressors use common plastic containers with openings that create a powerful directional spray, such as lemon juice squeeze bottles. Sulfuric and phosphoric acids were chosen for analysis here due to their highly corrosive nature- acid attacks in London most commonly use sulfuric, phosphoric, and nitric acids.2017 saw a remarkable number of acid attacks in the UK, with reported incidences averaging 2x a day. Detection and regulation of acids may contribute to prevention of this social scourge.

The determination of the acid number plays a significant role in the analysis of petroleum products. This is manifested in the numerous standard procedures in use over the world (internal specifications of multinational companies, national and international specifications of ASTM, DIN, IP, ISO, etc.). These procedures differ mainly in the composition of the used solvents and titrants.This bulletin describes the determination of the acid number in petroleum products by applying different types of titration.The potentiometric determination is described according to ASTM D664, the photometric according to ASTM D974 and the thermometric titration according to ASTM D8045.

Manufacturers and laboratories must use validated methods to determine the zinc content in skin care products and pharmaceutical supplements to meet strict quality standards set by the United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary (USP-NF). USP-NF has updated the zinc monograph (General Chapter <591>, Zinc Determination) and replaced the existing identification procedure of titration with ion chromatography (IC). The analysis involves separating Zn using a Metrosep A Supp 10 column followed by post-column reaction using 4-(2-pyridylazo)resorcinol and detection at 530 nm.

In order to maintain product quality, the sodium chloride content in meat products must be monitored, as the limit values defined by the respective public health authorities must not be exceeded. The chloride content in food correlates with the salt content, its determination is therefore described in various norms and standards. However, preparation of meat samples is time consuming, as it requires homogenization with a mixer and a chloride extraction with water.In order to reduce workload and working hours, this Application Note describes a fully automatic potentiometric titration of chloride with silver nitrate in meat products based on ISO 1841-2, including fully automated sample preparation using a Polytron homogenizer.

Pyrimethanil is a broad-spectrum fungicide. As grapevines are susceptible to fungal pathogens, large-scale viticulture operations apply pyrimethanil as part of a mixed treatment. Although chemical analysis of wines post-fermentation finds low to undetectable amounts of residue, pyrimethanil is a suspected human carcinogen. The US FDA and EU have therefore established a maximum permissible level of 5 μg/mL pyrimethanil in finished wine products.In this application, trace detection of pyrimethanil in wine with Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer) requires few laboratory supplies and minimal sample processing, yet returns rapid results.

Methanol, often present in spirits prepared with industrial solvents like wood alcohol, can lead to blindness and even death when ingested. After an incident involving methanol-laced alcohol in the Czech Republic, they adopted Raman spectroscopy as the preferred method for identifying and quantifying methanol in contaminated spirits, following an exhaustive study using various screening tools. This Application Note discusses the reasons why Raman spectroscopy is the ideal choice for this application and shows a real-world example of Raman analysis of methanol-laced rum.

Corrosion of metallic components is an inherent problem for engines, because metals naturally tend to oxidize in the presence of water and/or low pH value. The reserve alkalinity of engine coolants and antirusts is a measure of the buffering ability to absorb acidity. The reserve alkalinity is frequently used for quality control during production and often listed in the specifications of the coolants. A fast and accurate determination is therefore important.This Application Note describes the straightforward determination of reserve alkalinity according to ASTM D1121. Using a fully automated system allows an accurate and reliable determination due to the reduction of human errors. Furthermore, the operator is free to carry out other tasks increasing the efficiency of the laboratory.

This study demonstrates that near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) provides a fast, reagent-free method for determining salt content in ready-to-eat pickled foods. Salt content is a critical quality and safety parameter in the production of pickled vegetables and must be monitored throughout processing and in the final product. Although NaCl exhibits no characteristic NIR absorption bands, salt-induced changes in water absorbance bands enable its quantification by NIRS.

Nitrite and nitrate salts are used as preservatives for meat and meat products. Nitrate salts (labeled E 251 or E 252) have a low toxicity but long-term exposure is of concern, as the lower gut reduces them to nitrite, a precursor of nitrosamines (classified as carcinogenic). Nitrite itself is classified as probably carcinogenic to humans. The European Food Safety Authority (EFSA) lists the MPL (maximum permitted levels) after the manufacturing process for nitrite (labeled E 249 or E 250) as between 50–180 mg/kg, and for nitrate between 150–300 mg/kg, depending on the product. The European Commission (Regulation (EC) No 1333/2008) limits nitrate and nitrite salts in processed meat to less than 150 mg/kg. Ion chromatography with UV detection offers a robust and universal method for quality control of nitrite and nitrate in different meat matrices. Additional sample preparation techniques like Inline Ultrafiltration help to save time and costs as well as overcome analysis issues with difficult sample matrices.

In order to maintain product quality, the sodium chloride content in dairy products must be monitored and not exceed the limits defined by the respective public health authorities. The chloride content in food correlates with the salt content, its determination is therefore described in various norms and standards. However, preparation of such samples is time consuming, as it includes a chloride extraction with warm water. Whole milk powders in particular are difficult to handle as an inhomogeneous dispersion of fat in the titration suspension occurs.In order to reduce the workload, increase sample throughput, and eliminate the matrix challenges posed by high fat products, this Application Note presents a fully automatic potentiometric titration of chloride with silver nitrate in milk and milk powder based on ISO 21422, IDF 242, AOAC 2015.07, AOAC 2015.08 and AOAC 2016.03

PVC (polyvinyl chloride) foils with a PVDC (polyvinylidene chloride) coating are often used for high performance packaging films like pharmaceutical blister packs or in food packaging. In multi-layer blister films, the PVC serves as the thermoformable backbone structure, whereas the PVDC coating acts as a barrier against moisture and oxygen. The Water Vapor Transmission Rate (WVTR) and Oxygen Transmission Rate (OTR) are influenced by the composition and the thickness of the coating. A fast way to monitor PVDC coating thickness is with near-infrared spectroscopy. Results are provided in a few seconds, indicating when adjustments in the polymer production process are necessary.

Potentiometric titration is an accurate method for determining chloride content. For detailed instructions and troubleshooting tips, download our Application Bulletin.

Differential electrochemical mass spectrometry (DEMS) is used to monitor gaseous and volatile species during electrochemical reactions in situ.

This Application Note presents a walkthrough of an experiment on 4-nitrothiophenol using hyphenated EC-Raman, a combination of Raman spectroscopy and electrochemistry.

Spectroelectrochemical experiments not only provide outstanding qualitative information about samples, but also offer other quantitative data that can be considered when performing analyses. A single set of experiments allows analysts to obtain two calibration curves: one with the electrochemical data and another with the spectroscopic information. The concentration of tested samples is calculated by using both curves, confirming the obtained results by two different routes. In this Application Note, comparison between electrochemical and spectroscopic determinations demonstrates that the two methods measure uric acid (UA) indistinctively, with close agreement of the calculated values with empirical data.

Near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) enables rapid, nondestructive quality control of intact olives, supporting optimal harvest timing and improved oil yield estimation. NIRS provides fast, reagent-free determination of oil content, moisture, and maturity index without sample preparation. Its analytical performance is comparable to established methods such as NMR and Soxhlet extraction, while being significantly faster and easier to implement in mills or quality control laboratories.

The development of a novel reflection cell for conventional electrodes facilitates the performance of spectroelectrochemical measurements. This device allows researchers to work in aqueous solutions as well as in organic media due to its chemical resistance.

Spectroelectrochemistry is a multi-response technique that provides both electrochemical and spectroscopic information about a chemical system in a single experiment, i.e., it offers information from two different points of view. Spectroelectrochemistry focused on the UV/VIS region is one of the most important combinations because this allows us to obtain not only valuable qualitative information, but also outstanding quantitative results. In this application note, the degradation kinetics for 4-nitrophenol, a known pollutant, were determined using SPELEC.

Low sensitivity has limited the use of Raman spectroscopy as a detection method. However, the surface-enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) effect has improved its effectivity for analytical use. Aldehyde dehydrogenase (ALDH) and cytochrome c are analyzed by Raman spectroelectrochemistry as a proof of concept in this Application Note.

Alamar Blue is monitored with fluorescence spectroelectrochemistry during its irreversible reduction to resorufin and further reversible reduction to dihydroresorufin.

Some studies suggest that consumption of the artificial sweetener, aspartame, is correlated with increased risk for brain and hematopoietic cancers, however, others find it to be a safe food additive. Consequently, the US and EU approve aspartame as a multi-purpose sweetener with an acceptable daily intake of 40 mg/kg body weight/day. However, the clear health hazard to individuals suffering from phenlyketonuria and ongoing criticism by health food advocates continues to fuel the challenge against aspartame’s widespread use in the food industry.Using Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer), beverage products are screened for aspartame levels with no sample preparation beyond simple dilution of a consumer product.

Ion chromatography (IC) provides an automated, fast, and sensitive solution to accurately quantify cationic and anionic components including acetate simultaneously. This comprehensive approach makes IC an economic alternative to traditional techniques for the quality control of pharmaceutical solutions like haemodialysis concentrates. Ease-of use, accuracy, and the high-throughput of IC increase productivity and comply with the demands of modern routine and research labs.

Auramine O (AO) is an industrial dye used for a broad range of manufactured products and as a fluorescent stain for detecting acid-fast bacteria in clinical specimens. Due to its intense yellow coloration, AO is also prized as an additive for enhancing the visual appeal of illicitly processed food products. Despite bans on AO as a food additive, surveillance testing indicates its persistent use as an adulterant in foods and spices.Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer) achieves the rapid and sensitive detection of AO in curry powder in a simple assay format.

Ion chromatography (IC) with suppressed conductivity detection has been approved by the U.S. Pharmacopeia (USP) as a validated method to quantify the monofluorophosphate (MFP) content in sodium monofluorophosphate. This Application Note shows that all acceptance criteria for the USP Monograph «Sodium Monofluorophosphate» are fulfilled and the procedure was approved as a validated USP method.

Fresh as well as used petroleum products may contain acidic components as additives or degradation products. The acid number (AN) is a measure for the relative amount of acids present expressed as mg KOH per g sample. Moreover, AN is used as a quality parameter of lubricating oils both for assessing the quality of new formulations and as an indicator for the degradation of such formulations during service. The use of a pH electrode suitable for non-aqueous titrations ensures the reliable determination of the equivalence point. A flexible sleeve diaphragm facilitates its cleaning especially after use in heavily contaminated samples, such as in used engine oils. Using the correct electrode greatly increases the precision and reliability of the results. This Application Note describes the potentiometric determination of the acid number according to ASTM D664 and IP 177 using the pH electrode Solvotrode easyClean.

Citric acid and oxalic acid are present in many products, such as foods or chemical solvents (e.g., decontamination solutions). Both acids are reducing agents and citric acid is additionally a powerful antioxidant. Due to their mutual impact (buffer effect), a content calculation is only possible with correction factors for each acid. A fast and accurate determination by potentiometric titration using the dEcotrode plus and sodium hydroxide as titrant can be realized in this Application Note.

Potash is commonly mined from ore, deposited after ancient inland oceans evaporated. The potassium salt is then purified in evaporation ponds. At the end of this process, the potash is typically obtained as potassium chloride. Potash is mainly used as fertilizer, providing potassium—an essential nutrient—to plants. Additionally, it is used in the chemical industry and to produce medicine. Potassium content in potash is typically determined by flame photometry (F-AES) or ICP-OES. However, these techniques have high investment and running costs. By applying the historically used gravimetric precipitation reaction as a thermometric titration, it becomes possible to rapidly and inexpensively determine the potassium content in potash within minutes.

The saponification value evaluates edible oil quality by indicating the average molecular weight of fatty acids. Its titrimetric determination in canola and olive oil is described here.

Fertilizers are applied in the agricultural sector to provide more essential nutrients to growing plants. The so-called «NPK» fertilizers provide such nutrients to plants with its three main components (N – nitrogen, P – phosphorous, K – potassium). In fertilizers, nitrogen is mainly provided in three forms: as ammonium nitrate (NH4NO3), ammonia (NH3), and urea (H2NCONH2). Determination of the individual nitrogen-contributing components is often laborious work. Thermometric titration offers the possibility to rapidly determine the amount of ammoniacal nitrogen and urea nitrogen in a single titration using sodium hypochlorite as titrant.

Metrohm’s MIRA XTR handheld Raman spectrometer enables fast, reagent-free identification of phosphate species, enabling continuous monitoring of dynamic systems.

Carbendazim (MBC) is a common fungicide approved for regulated use in agriculture globally, outside of the EU. Most MBC is found on fruits as surface contamination, the result of sprays applied prior to harvest. The US EPA has determined that a concentrations below 80 μg/mL in orange juice are not a health risk, while the EU restricts MBC levels to 10 ng/g (from imported produce) in foods intended for baby food production.This Application Note describes a very simple test for surface MBC and provides library spectra demonstrating the sensitive detection of MBC with Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer).

Erythrosine B (EB), also known as Red Dye #3, is a synthetic dye approved for use in candy in the US, and in pharmaceuticals and cosmetics in the EU and elsewhere. However, rodent studies suggest that ingestion of EB can promote thyroid tumor formation. EB may also be implicated as a dietary factor contributing to hyperkinesis in children. WHO recommends a daily intake of EB less than 0.1 mg/kg of body weight.The ability to obtain fast results with a portable test platform recommends Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer) as a competitive and cost-effective alternative to laboratory technologies (e.g., CE, HPLC) currently employed for detecting EB in foodstuffs.

Electroless Ni plating offers superior surface finish and corrosion resistance. Anodic stripping voltammetry allows Bi stabilizer to be monitored in Ni plating baths.

Electroless nickel plating ensures low-cost wear and corrosion resistance. Monitoring lead stabilizer levels in Ni plating baths is possible with the Bi drop electrode.

Safe and fast ethanol determination in hand sanitizers is possible with reagent-free near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS). NIRS provides reliable results in a few seconds, quickly indicating when adjustments in formulation are necessary.

Basic chemicals are added to petroleum products to prevent corrosion as they neutralize acidic components that form during the use and aging of these products. The base number (BN) gives an indication regarding the amount of these basic additives present, and it can be used as a measure for the degradation of the petroleum product.This Application Note describes the potentiometric determination of the base number according to ISO 3771, ASTM D2896, and IP 276 using the Metrohm Solvotrode easyClean and a fully automated OMNIS system.

The amine value is an important parameter and quality indicator to determine in chemical processes and pharmaceuticals. This Application Note presents the nonaqueous perchloric acid titration of triethanolamine.

Portable Raman is used to quantify trigonelline, an alkaloid that contributes to the health benefits of some foods. A simple method to quantify the presence of diluted trigonelline in solutions using surface enhanced Raman spectroscopy is described. Portable Raman is a tool that could be used in quality control of food items such as coffee and quinoa.

Metanil yellow (MY) is an azo dye used in the manufacture of external-use products such as textiles; however, it is prohibited from use as a food additive in many countries. Toxicology studies demonstrate that ingestion of MY results in significant neurological and multi-organ damage. Despite these hazards, MY is commonly used as an illicit colorant for enhancing the visual appeal of spices and legumes, most notably turmeric. Ideal tests for such food adulterants feature methods that are selective and sensitive, yet portable and convenient.Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer) achieves rapid and accurate detection of MY in a facile assay format.

Nitrosamine formation can be avoided by controlling the nitrite concentration in pharmaceutical products and processes. To monitor nitrosamine formation, sensitive analytical methods such as ion chromatography for the determination of nitrite in pharmaceutical products and substances are essential.

This Application Note describes the photometric determination of zinc sulfate using the Optrode at a wavelength of 610 nm. Complexometric titration of zinc requires EDTA as titrant and Eriochrome Black T as indicator. The method fully complies with Ph. Eur. and USP.

Acid copper baths are mainly used for the copper deposition on semiconductor wafers. Small amounts of chloride increase the speed of deposition and reduce anode polarization. However, higher concentrations are undesired, as this will decrease the quality of the copper deposition. Therefore, it is quite important to monitor the amount of chloride to have an effective, yet high-quality copper deposition process.In this Application Note, a fully automated solution based on titration is presented. In comparison to ion chromatography, titration offers the benefit that no dilution of the sample is necessary, and the hardware is comparatively low-priced. Furthermore, the fully automated solution allows users to minimize handling errors, to reduce workloads, and to guarantee outstanding reproducibility.

Many electrochemical methods have been developed but are traditionally limited to aqueous media. Raman spectroelectrochemistry in organic solutions is an interesting alternative, but developing new EC-SERS procedures is still required. This Application Note demonstrates that the electrochemical activation of gold and silver electrodes enables the detection of dyes and pesticides in organic media.

Potassium citrate and citric acid oral solutions act as systemic alkalizers. Potassium assays, validated per USP <621> and <1225>, use IC with L76 cation-exchange columns.

The assay of calcium acetate, often used as a phosphate binder for dialysis patients, can be performed with ion chromatography (IC) as per USP <621> and <1225>.

Due to its price and wide availability, the anionic surfactant sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS; SDS) can be found in many detergents as an emulsifier or as a fat solvent e.g., in cleaning or cosmetic products. To avoid causing severe dry skin and hair, and thus skin irritation, regulations in many countries have restricted the sodium lauryl sulfate concentration in ready-to-use products to a range between 0.05–2.5% SLS. To control the concentration of SLS in different products, a titration is carried out with TEGO® trant A100 and the Optrode. The evaluation is done automatically by means of a software, leading to reliable and reproducible results.

Dissolved oxygen (DO), incorporated into juices during processing, affects quality parameters of the beverage during storage such as Vitamin C concentration, color, and aroma. Various oxygen removal methods are used during juice production, such as vacuum-deaeration or gas sparging to increase product quality and extend shelf life. However, these methods have the drawback that the aroma might be affected since the volatile compounds are also removed. By assessing the DO content in fruit juices, manufacturers can improve the overall product quality. This application note describes a fast and accurate determination of dissolved oxygen in juices by using an optical sensor.

This application presents the fully automated determination of acidity in jet fuel as per ASTM D3242 via photometric titration with an automatic titrator and the Optrode.

This document outlines Rancimat testing for both liquid and solid food samples, including direct and PEG methods, for oxidation stability QC in the food industry.

Dissolved oxygen (DO) is generally considered detrimental to wine quality, especially if introduced after fermentation, storage, or bottling. The presence of oxygen after primary fermentation and during the later stages of winemaking can enhance browning reactions, chemical and microbiological instability, and the formation of off-flavors such as acetaldehyde. Knowing the DO content in wine is important through the entire wine production process, because oxidation is a common fault in bottled wines. With the 913 pH/DO meter and the 914 pH/DO/Conductometer, the oxygen content of wine can be determined quickly and easily directly on site.

This Application Note demonstrates how the OMNIS NIR Analyzer Solid quickly determines the cotton content in various textile products within just 30 seconds.

The toxic element cadmium (Cd) can be found in elevated concentrations with high bioavailability in some soils. Under such conditions, cacao trees can accumulate cadmium in the beans, which are then processed into cocoa. Chocolate produced from the affected beans will contain elevated cadmium levels. Typical limit values in the European Union are between 100 µg/kg and 800 µg/kg (EU Commission Regulation 1881/2006) depending on the cocoa content of the chocolate.Anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV) can be used to accurately determine trace quantities of cadmium in chocolate down to approximately 10 µg/kg. The method is simple to perform, specific, and free of interferences. Prior to determination the samples are ashed in a furnace at 450 °C.

NIR spectroscopy measures ice cream quality parameters like total solids, fat content, lactose, protein percentage, sucrose content, and calories in seconds.

Kjeldahl method is used to determine the nitrogen content in organic and inorganic samples. Kjeldahl consists of three steps: digestion, distillation, and titration. During the catalytic digestion step, organic nitrogen is converted into ammonium. Sodium hydroxide is added just before the distillation step for converting ammonium into ammonia. Through steam distillation the latter is transferred into the receiver vessel containing an absorbing agent (e.g., boric acid). Finally, the separated ammonia is titrated against sulfuric acid. Protein content in samples can also be determined from the nitrogen content obtained by Kjeldahl setup. USP describes the titration method to determine nitrogen content in organic products using Kjeldahl nitrogen setup. This Application Note illustrates nitrogen determination in heparin sodium.

This Application Note details a method to determine the peroxide value of edible fats and oils based on EN ISO 27107, EN ISO 3960, AOAC 965.33, Ph.Eur. 2.5.5, and USP<401>.

This study presents the automatic titration of low sulfite levels in beet crystal sugar using an OMNIS Titrator and a Pt Titrode as the potentiometric sensor.

Iron sucrose injections are used during the treatment of iron deficiency anemia. They contain a mixture of ferric iron (Fe3+) and ferrous iron (Fe2+). Ferrous iron content may be determined by subtracting the ferric iron content from the total determined iron content. Yet, this increases the measurement error due to error propagation. Alternative determination of iron(II) with cerium(IV) by potentiometric titration may be hampered, as the equivalence point cannot be determined unequivocally. Determination by thermometric titration is a more robust and therefore more reliable alternative, as this method is unaffected by the sample matrix. Here, the endpoint of the titration is indicated by a fast responding thermometric sensor. Endpoint detection is further improved by spiking the sample with 0.2% ammonium iron(II) sulfate (FAS), increasing the reliability of the determination. Compared to potentiometric titration, thermometric titration is faster and more convenient as no sensor maintenance is required. One determination takes about 2–3 minutes.

This Application Note presents a complementary method that allows a consecutive determination after the sample preparation (digestion) of both metal ions in one beaker with an optical sensor and xylenol orange as an indicator.

Hydrochloric acid is a strong, inorganic mineral acid with great significance in the chemical industry. The potentiometric titration of hydrochloric acid with sodium hydroxide is one of the most important and also most frequent analyses performed in the laboratory. In this Application Note, an acid-base titration is presented where the concentration of HCl is determined with NaOH using a pH electrode with an integrated Pt1000 temperature senor for the most accurate results

In the food industry, it is essential to determine and monitor certain quality parameters to guarantee consistency. This is especially important for liquid dairy products, which are subject to a strict cold chain. Both the dissolved oxygen (DO) and the pH value have proven to be reliable quality criteria. Oxygen shortens the shelf life and influences the product quality (e.g., nutritional value, color, and flavor). The DO content depends on the salinity in the sample, which is automatically calculated and corrected by the 914 pH/DO/Conductometer during the parallel conductivity measurement. Acidity is another important characteristic to measure that can be checked easily using the pH value. With the 914 pH/DO/Conductometer, all important quality criteria can be monitored with one device.

The vaping and electronic cigarette industries have grown impressively in the past decade. The mixtures used in these products are usually called «e-liquid», «e-fluid», or «e-juice». To ensure the quality of these e-liquids, testing the most important quality parameters, such as nicotine content, is required. Nicotine in tobacco is usually determined by gas chromatography or liquid chromatography. Aqueous acid base titration is a much more affordable alternative for this determination. As e-liquids do not contain other components which might interfere with the titration, the aqueous acid base titration presented in this Application Note can be applied for nicotine determination. This method is an affordable and reliable way to determine the nicotine content in e-liquids and their nicotine starting material, ensuring the quality of these products.

Phosphoric acid is a triprotic inorganic acid used for many purposes: as a raw material for the production of phosphate fertilizers, detergents, as an electrolyte in phosphoric acid fuel cells, rust removers, and for the passivation of iron and zinc to protect against corrosion. This Application Note presents an acid-base titration where the concentration of phosphoric acid is determined over all three of its dissociable protons by titrating it with sodium hydroxide.

This Application Note describes the determination of the oxidation stability of different sausages with the recommended method from Metrohm using an 892 Professional Rancimat.

Excess sodium intake increases the risk of health issues. Ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) offer a fast, accurate, and cost-effective method for measuring sodium in food.

This Application Note presents an electrochemiluminescence (ECL) method for a fast, accessible, and cost-effective alternative method to detect fentanyl.

Raman spectroscopy offers a fast, nondestructive way to identify microorganisms and analyze metabolites directly from culture media, without complex genetic sequencing.

Raman spectroscopy is used for material characterization by analyzing molecular or crystal symmetrical vibrations and rotations that are excited by a laser, and exhibit vibrations specific to the molecular bonds and crystal arrangements in the molecules. Raman technology is a valuable tool in distinguishing different polymorphs. Examples of portable Raman spectroscopy for identification of polymorphs and in monitoring the polymorphic transiton of citric acid and its hydrated form are presented.

In severe cases of cyanide poisoning, sodium nitrite is used along with sodium thiosulfate for treatment. This Application Note describes the nitrite ion chromatography assay with the Metrosep A Supp 4 column and suppressed conductivity detection. This column equivalency study was in cooperation with the USP according to the USP General Chapter <621>.

This Application Note presents an update to the standard AOAC method for total GOS determination in foodstuffs.

Application: Free and total carbohydrate determination in instant coffee with IC-PAD according to AOAC 996.04 and ISO 11292.

Iodine is an essential mineral for human health, where it is necessary for e.g., the production of thyroid hormones. The presented method describes the determination of free iodide in milk samples using Metrohm Low Volume Inline Dialysis for automated sample preparation prior to injection into an ion chromatograph (IC) and subsequent amperometric detection in direct current (DC) mode.

This Application Note describes the determination of the oxidation stability of the fat in different sausages extracted with cold petroleum ether using an 892 Professional Rancimat.

Malathion is an insecticide widely used on a broad spectrum of plant species. Several studies have implicated chronic exposure to malathion in the development of certain cancers. Maximum residue limits for malathion have been enacted by the regulatory agencies of several countries: the US Food and Drug Administration sets maximum residue limits at 8 μg/g in foods, while the EU has a considerably more stringent limit of 20 ng/g.SERS is an accepted method for detection of malathion on fruit and vegetable surfaces. Misa (Metrohm Instant SERS Analyzer), which requires minimal laboratory chemicals and consumables and provides an extremely user-friendly interface, is an excellent SERS solution for trace detection of food adulterants.

The standardization of the cationic surfactant TEGOtrant is performed using potentiometric titration as well as near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) in this application.

As an alternative to titration, ion chromatography (IC) with suppressed conductivity detection has been approved by USP as validated method to quantify chloride content in NaCl tablets for solution or oral use.

This Application Note presents a potentiometric titration method for a potassium bicarbonate and potassium carbonate assay meeting all USP General Chapter <1225> requirements.

Operando Raman spectroelectrochemistry shows the potential-dependent structural evolution of Ni-based oxygen evolution catalysts, directly linking vibrational signatures to catalytic activity. Correlating these spectroscopic markers with electrochemical performance not only clarifies OER (oxygen evolution reaction) mechanisms but also guides the design of Ni-based catalysts for related oxidation reactions.

Processing degrades antioxidant levels in spices. The 892 Professional Rancimat determines oxidation stability with the PEG method as per AOCS Cd 12b-92 and ISO 6886.

This Application Note presents ion chromatography with pulsed amperometric detection as fast and reliable method to determine low level lactose in complex matrices such as infant formula.

Dental care products often contain sodium fluoride as an active ingredient. Manufacturers use the United States Pharmacopeia and National Formulary (USP-NF) Monograph «Sodium Fluoride» to quantify sodium fluoride and its anionic contaminants chloride and acetate in these products. The validated USP method proposes ion chromatography (IC) with suppressed conductivity detection to carry out the fluoride assay as well as the impurity determination in a single chromatogram.