The current state of analytical control in Lithuania

In Lithuania research and development in chemical analysis are concentrated in scientific institutes and universities. The main fields of interest focus on biosensors, electrochemical sensors, sampling techniques and methods, study of atomization processes in spectrochemical analysis and noise evaluation in analytical measurements. Some laboratories also take part in international environmental monitoring programmes. There are about 50 researchers at the Ph.D. level engaged in analytical chemistry and several hundred technicians specialized in the field of analytical control. About one hundred chemical laboratories are active in scientific institutes, universities and factories. Specialized laboratories of chemical analysis are at the disposal of Environmental Control and Health Protection Departments and forensic investigation organizations. So far no laboratories are accredited according to the ISO 9000 norms. Special courses on analytical chemistry are offered at a few schools of higher education in the country. Only at the Department of Analytical Chemistry of the University of Vilnius specialized programmes are available to postgraduate students working towards a Ph.D. to improve their skills in current techniques of analytical chemistry. Recently the Technical Committee TC-16 for Chemical Analysis was formed within the standardization system of Lithuania. Its main activities are centered on issues such as national terminology, certified reference materials (CRMs), analytical methods and analytical quality assurance. There are numerous problems related to national terminology, the preparation of special documents in the field of analytical control and the production of regional environmental CRMs. Problems, also arise in obtaining and using CRMs for analytical instrument calibration and validation.     

Analytical Department of the Vinogradov Institute of Geochemistry

The history of the organization and growth of analytical divisions at the Vinogradov Institute of Geochemistry is presented. The achievements of the analytical service and the potential of the analytical department, namely, its equipment, personnel, methodological basis, and the concept of further development, are considered.     

Foundation and development of the Perm school of analytical chemists

The steps in the development of analytical chemistry and the organization of the school of analytical chemists in the city of Perm are considered. The role of G.G. Kobyak, the first head of the Division of Analytical Chemistry, in the organization of scientific research at the division, the selection of division staff, and the subsequent continuity of the formation of the division and the school of analytical chemists at Perm State University is outlined.     

Analytical chemistry in nuclear technology

Summary The objectives of analytical chemistry in nuclear technology are discussed. The analytical techniques and methods commonly used in the various phases of the nuclear fuel cycle, mining and fuel fabrication, reprocessing and nuclear waste management are described and their advantages and disadvantages are demonstrated. The question of applying in-line analytical instruments in this area is addressed and some techniques which show a proven potential for such an employment are defined.Presented at the 33rd IUPAC Congress, Budapest, August 17–22, 1991.     

The position of the analyst as expert: yesterday and today

The interrelation between law and analytical chemistry 150 years ago is outlined, showing that similar problems to today already existed at that time. Examples of present-day cases of judicial investigations are given and consequences for the duty of the analytical chemist are discussed.     

A systematic study of the electrochemical determination of hydrogen peroxide at single-walled carbon nanotube ensemble networks

The electrochemical detection of one of the most sought after analytical targets has been studied at single-walled carbon nanotube ensemble networks, which are electrically wired via an underlying electrode substrate. A range of parameters and their effect on the electro–analytical detection of hydrogen peroxide have been explored which includes heterogeneity, role of the underlying electrode, electrode pre-treatment and analytical performance. This work provides researches with an overall view of the various parameters, which may affect the electro–analytical detection of hydrogen peroxide at native carbon nanotubes before modification with electro–catalytic materials allowing the assignment of the true origin of electro–catalysis to be properly assigned.     

Content and Methodological Provision of the Basic Course of Analytical Chemistry

Russian standards in training conventional graduates and bachelors are considered. These standards determine the status and volume of analytical chemistry courses at different higher educational institutions. An analysis of the educational standards, standard curricula, and the aims of teaching analytical chemistry suggests the advisability of changing the content of the course, particularly at industrial (branch) higher educational institutions. The provision of the analytical chemistry course with special literature (manuals, textbooks), equipment, and computer software is considered.     

Three trace-element geological materials certified as a result of a co-operative investigation

The results of a Nordic analytical trace-element study of three geological samples are given. Recommended concentration values for 27 trace elements and 14 main elements have been arrived at by the analysts in the course of several round-table conferences. The samples are now available as reference materials, for other analytical laboratories.     

What Kind of Professional Training of Analytical Chemists is Required in Classical Universities?

The aims, curricula, and types of professional training of analytical chemists in classical universities are considered. Based on the data of a questionnaire filled at by the members of of analytical chemistry departments, an optimum set of special courses was proposed for the specialty analytical chemistry. An alternative set of special courses corresponding to the applied approach to training analytical chemists is sometimes taught to students of new specialties. A compromise between the two approaches is the introduction of additional educational programs.     

The position of the analyst as expert: Yesterday and today

The interrelation between law and analytical chemistry 150 years ago is outlined, showing that similar problems to today already existed at that time. Examples of present-day cases of judicial investigations are given and consequences for the duty of the analytical chemist are discussed. Received: 19 April 2000 / Accepted: 14 June 2000     

Analytical expression of non steady-state concentration for the CE mechanism at a planar electrode

The analytical solutions of the non-steady-state concentrations of species at a planar microelectrode are discussed. The analytical expression of the kinetics of CE mechanism under first or pseudo-first order conditions with equal diffusion coefficients at planar electrode under non-steady-state conditions are obtained by using Homotopy perturbation method. These simple new approximate expressions are valid for all values of time and possible values of rate constants. Analytical equations are given to describe the current when the homogeneous equilibrium position lies heavily in favour of the electroinactive species. Working surfaces are presented for the variation of limiting current with a homogeneous kinetic parameter and equilibrium constant. In this work we employ the Homotopy perturbation method to solve the boundary value problem. Furthermore, in this work the numerical simulation of the problem is also reported using Scilab program. The analytical results are found to be in excellent agreement with the numerical results.     

Comparison of a very high frequency 148 MHz inductively coupled plasma to a 27 MHz ICP

Physical parameters and analytical performance are determined for an analytical ICP operated at 148 MHz, a frequency nearly three times higher than any previously reported. The iron(I) excitation temperatures are approximately 1.5 times lower and the electron densities are five times lower than at 27 MHz. The consequences of these changes are lower analyte and background continuum emission intensities, such that the signal to background ratios are decreased at the higher frequency. Freedom from interferences and working curve linearity are unaffected while ease of sample introduction is improved. A shift towards atomic emission indicates a deviation farther from LTE at 148 MHz. These effects are attributed to the decrease in skin depth with increasing frequency.     

Informationsgewinn bei analytisch-chemischen Messungen

Summary The aim of every analytical experiment is to gain information about a particular chemical system. In order to design and carry out such an experiment it is necessary to take into consideration the chemical properties of the matter as well as the metrological rules inherent in the analytical method applied. In this aim (to obtain information) and in the manner of working (to regard chemical properties and metrological rules) analytical chemistry can be seen as being a uniform and independent scientific discipline. The different analytical methods and the numerous analytical problems can then be described in uniform manner. The different measuring parameters and steps in analytical work can all be reduced to uniform terms and processes. The treatment and evaluation of the signal produced in the analytical experiment is always at the centre of all discussions. The uniform theoretical interpretation of seemingly different methodological terms makes a standardized nomenclature possible. The aim of effectively obtained information explains the preference of certain analytical methods for trace analysis, structure analysis, multicomponent analysis or other analytical problems. Furthermore, it is possible to derive useful strategies for applying an analytical method or managing an analytical problem. Finally, tendencies can be shown for the development of analytical methods, which are particularly effective in obtaining information.     

CPAC: An industry—university cooperative research center for process analytical chemistry

The Center for Process Analytical Chemistry (CPAC) is one of about 20 industry—university partnerships across the U.S.A. founded with support from the National Science Foundation to stimulate some aspect of industrial innovation and productivity. Because industry is looking toward increased automation and in order to improve productivity, new sensors and strategies need to be developed for real-time process monitoring and control. Research at CPAC is aimed at the discovery and development of analytical methods that can be integrated directly into the process and that are coupled with chemometrics techniques. CPAC is advancing a systems approach by combining (1) theoretical research on new and existing transduction principles, (2) rational sensor design and multivariate techniques for calibration, resolution and interpretation of data, (3) sensor fabrication and engineering research, and (4) process optimization and control using analytical data in real-time. Process applications are seen as one element of a broader trend, termed distributed analytical chemistry, which is bringing analytical methods out of the laboratory into the system being analyzed. The trend will provide a natural and fertile field for industry—university cooperative endeavors. In this article, the effects of the CPAC partnership on analytical research and education at the University of Washington are assessed.     

Teaching of Analytical Chemistry in the University

Summary The status of analytical chemistry within the universities, particularly of the U.K. is discussed. It is argued that there are too few analytical chemists in University positions, particularly in view of the social and economic importance of analytical chemistry. The best way to improve matters is by high quality research in open competition with other chemists.Presented at Euroanalysis III conference, Dublin, August 20–25, 1978     

Misused terms in analytical chemistry with emphasis on ultrasound application

A wide number of analytical terms have been applied erroneously for many years by analytical chemists, and they apply at present yet, by considering the time makes their use correct. The question is, may precedents validate the present use of incorrect scientific terms? Misused terms are found along the analytical process, starting with giving the name of the sample to the exiguous fraction of the original sample that reaches the detector or the high-resolution equipment after sample pretreatment and sample preparation. All the steps of the analytical process are considered in this article, with special emphasis on sample preparation and, within this, on the use of ultrasound, mainly for assisting extraction more unequivocally named as leaching or lixiviation. A call of attention in this respect is considered by the author to be of help to the analytical community.     

Intra-laboratory assessment of method accuracy (trueness and precision) by using validation standards

Assessment of accuracy of analytical methods is a fundamental stage in method validation. The use of validation standards enables the assessment of both trueness and precision of analytical methods at the same time. Procedures of intra-laboratory testing of method accuracy using validation standards are outlined and discussed.     

The studies of the reaction of bismuth(III) with iodide at nanogram level by thermal lensing

By the example of the analytical system based on the reaction of bismuth with iodide, it is shown that thermal lens spectrometry can be used for studying changes in analytical reactions at the nanogram level of reactants. The stability constants of bismuth(III) iodides at the concentration level are found. The solubility constants of iodides of metals interfering with bismuth determination are estimated. It is shown that the due regard to the new conditions could enhance the sensitivity and selectivity of determination.     

Estimation of analytical values from sub-detection limit measurements for water quality parameters

A method is described for estimating analytical values for water quality parameters from sub-detection limit measurements. The method, which is referred to as the error approximation (EA) procedure, relies on quality control analytical procedures and on the assumption that the bulk of the analytical error associated with measurements at or near the detection limit exists within k = -3 to +3 standard deviations for normally (or approximately normally) distributed errors. The EA procedure also assumes that the analytical errors are equally distributed on each side of half the detection limit and that the sub-detection limit value lies between zero and the detection limit.     

Validation of analytical methods involved in dissolution assays: Acceptance limits and decision methodologies

Dissolution tests are key elements to ensure continuing product quality and performance. The ultimate goal of these tests is to assure consistent product quality within a defined set of specification criteria. Validation of an analytical method aimed at assessing the dissolution profile of products or at verifying pharmacopoeias compliance should demonstrate that this analytical method is able to correctly declare two dissolution profiles as similar or drug products as compliant with respect to their specifications. It is essential to ensure that these analytical methods are fit for their purpose. Method validation is aimed at providing this guarantee. However, even in the ICHQ2 guideline there is no information explaining how to decide whether the method under validation is valid for its final purpose or not. Are the entire validation criterion needed to ensure that a Quality Control (QC) analytical method for dissolution test is valid? What acceptance limits should be set on these criteria? How to decide about method's validity? These are the questions that this work aims at answering. Focus is made to comply with the current implementation of the Quality by Design (QbD) principles in the pharmaceutical industry in order to allow to correctly defining the Analytical Target Profile (ATP) of analytical methods involved in dissolution tests. Analytical method validation is then the natural demonstration that the developed methods are fit for their intended purpose and is not any more the inconsiderate checklist validation approach still generally performed to complete the filing required to obtain product marketing authorization.