Sample preparation methods for subsequent determination of metals and non-metals in crude oil—A review

In this review sample preparation strategies used for crude oil digestion in last ten years are discussed focusing on further metals and non-metals determination. One of the main challenges of proposed methods has been to overcome the difficulty to bring crude oil samples into solution, which should be compatible with analytical techniques used for element determination. On this aspect, this review summarizes the sample preparation methods for metals and non metals determination in crude oil including those based on wet digestion, combustion, emulsification, extraction, sample dilution with organic solvents, among others. Conventional methods related to wet digestion with concentrated acids or combustion are also covered, with special emphasis to closed systems. Trends in sample digestion, such as microwave-assisted digestion using diluted acids combined with high-efficiency decomposition systems are discussed. On the other hand, strategies based on sample dilution in organic solvents and procedures recommended for speciation analysis are reported as well as the use of direct analysis in view of the recent importance for crude oil field. A compilation concerning sample preparation for crude oil provided by official methods as well as certified reference materials available for accuracy evaluation is also presented and discussed.     

The Recent Status of Analytical Chemistry in Greece

The aim of this review is to present a very concise report of the research activities in the area of Analytical Chemistry performed in Greece during the last decade. Since, research in chemical analysis conducted by Greek scientific institutions covers a very large variety of analytical methodologies and techniques, it is found preferable to organize this review based on a separate presentation of the scientific activities of each Greek University or Scientific Institution, operating analytical laboratories or other divisions involved in analytical chemistry research.     

The 59th Annual Meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry in Seville

Electrochemistry down to the molecular level was the main theme of the 59th annual meeting of the International Society of Electrochemistry (ISE, see logo). Around 1400 scientists from all over the world met in Seville to discuss modern aspects, progress in methods and new mechanistic insights.