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Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview01:20

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Overview

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Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) is an analytical technique used to determine the elemental composition of a sample by analyzing the light emitted from excited atoms. In AES, atoms in a sample are excited to higher energy levels by thermal energy from high-temperature sources, such as plasma, arcs, or sparks. When these excited atoms return to lower energy states, they emit light at specific wavelengths characteristic of each element. The resulting atomic emission spectrum, which consists of...
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Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab01:29

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Lab

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AES is a powerful analytical technique, especially effective when used with plasma sources, producing abundant spectra in characteristic emission lines. The Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP), in particular, yields superior quantitative analytical data due to its high stability, low noise, low background, and minimal interferences under optimal experimental conditions. However, newer air-operated microwave sources are emerging as promising alternatives that could be more cost-effective than...
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Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation01:22

Atomic Emission Spectroscopy: Instrumentation

1.1K
The instrumentation of atomic emission spectrometry (AES) involves various components, including atomization devices that convert samples into gas-phase atoms and ions. There are two main types of atomization devices: continuous and discrete atomizers.  Continuous atomizers, like plasmas and flames, introduce samples in a constant stream, while discrete atomizers inject individual samples using syringes or autosamplers. The most common discrete atomizer is the electrothermal atomizer.
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Updated: Jan 4, 2026

Detection and Recovery of Palladium, Gold and Cobalt Metals from the Urban Mine Using Novel Sensors/Adsorbents Designated with Nanoscale Wagon-wheel-shaped Pores
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Using elemental analyses and multivariate statistics to identify the off-site dispersion from informal e-waste

Stephen M Mudge1, Katrine A Pfaffhuber, Julius N Fobil

  • 1IMPACT, Norwegian Institute for Air Research (NILU), Instituttveien 18, 2007 Kjeller, Norway. smm@nilu.no.

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Electronic waste recycling in Accra contaminates surrounding areas with toxic metals. Dust analysis revealed widespread metal dispersion, posing health risks to residents from elements like copper.

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Area of Science:

  • Environmental Science
  • Toxicology
  • Geochemistry

Background:

  • Agbogbloshie, Accra, hosts West Africa's largest informal e-waste processing site.
  • Informal e-waste recycling leads to significant environmental contamination.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To assess offsite environmental contamination from e-waste activities in Accra.
  • To identify sources and dispersion patterns of contaminants.

Main Methods:

  • Surface dust samples collected across Accra.
  • Elemental analysis of 69 elements using ICP-mass spectrometry.
  • Multivariate statistical analyses (PCA, PVA) for source identification.

Main Results:

  • Significant enrichment of solder and copper wire metals detected at the e-waste site.
  • Downwind dispersion of contaminants up to 2.0 km.
  • Elevated chlorine and bromine levels from burning plastics and flame retardants.
  • Identification of three main sources: burn site residue, marine matter, and baseline soil.

Conclusions:

  • E-waste processing in Agbogbloshie causes widespread environmental contamination in Accra.
  • Copper poses the greatest health risk, with nickel, vanadium, chromium, and zinc also contributing.
  • Low-technology electrical equipment is primarily processed at this site.