Abstract: Methods for determining the amount of at least one metal analyte present in a liquid or gas sample of a halosilane supply (e.g., a chlorosilane supply) are disclosed herein. A sample of a halosilane supply is contacted and reacted with an aqueous hydrofluoric acid solution to produce a liquid reaction mixture. Liquid from the liquid reaction mixture is evaporated under controlled temperature and pressure conditions to near dryness. The nearly-dry residue is prepared for spectral analysis. The presence of a detectable amount of at least one metal analyte is determined for the sample.

Abstract: This invention provides methods of using ion-detecting microspheres containing an ionphore and a chromoionphore in clinical laboratory instrumentation such as flow cytometry for sample analysis. In one embodiment, the microspheres are contacted with a flowing stream of a sample under conditions that allow the ion-selective ionophores to complex with the ions in the sample, and to cause deprotonation of the chromoionophore. The complexes are then exposed to an excitation wavelength light source suitable for exciting the deprotonated chromoionophore to emit a fluorescence signal pattern. Detection of the fluorescence signal pattern emitted by the deprotonated chromoionophore in microspheres containing the complexes allows for determination of the presence of the target ions in the sample. In one embodiment, lead ion-detecting microspheres are provided that can detect nanomolar levels of lead ions with response times on the order of minutes.

Abstract: Plasticizer-free ion-detecting sensors for detecting a target ion in a sample are provided. The sensor comprises a plasticizer-free copolymer comprised of polymerized units of methacrylate monomers and a polymerizable ion exchanger, wherein the methacrylated monomers have pendent alkyl groups of different length and wherein the functionalized ion-exchanger is grafted into the copolymer through covalent linkages. The ion exchanger comprises a C-derivative of a halogenated closo-dodecacarborane anion having a polymerizable moiety. Sensors of this invention include carrier-based ion-selective electrodes or optodes such as thin film ion-specific optodes, particle-based optodes, or bulk optodes.

Abstract: An analytical apparatus to monitor fluid systems has at least one extraction module having a raw-sample reservoir connected by input fluid conduit to individual ones of said fluid systems, to extract raw samples for analysis from said fluid systems, one or more modification modules comprising additive materials to modify the extracted raw samples prior to analysis, an analytical device to receive at least a portion of said raw samples in an ordered sequence, and to determine concentration of at least one constituent of said sample portion, fluid-handling apparatus for transferring fluid through the analytical apparatus, and a computerized control and management system to manage operations of component modules and devices, and to report analytical results.

Abstract: A plasticizer-free ion detective sensor for detecting a target ion in a sample is provided. The sensor comprises a copolymer of methacrylate monomers with pendant alkyl groups of different length, and an ionophore for detecting the target ion. The copolymer matrix of the present invention may be in a form of membrane or particles. The sensors of the present invention may be Carrier-based ion-selective electrodes (ISEs) or optodes such as thin film ion-specific optodes or particle-based optodes. The ionophore may be a target ionophore selective for a target ion H+, Li+, Na+, K+, Ca2+, or Mg2+. The ion detective sensor of the present invention may further include an ion exchanger such as halogenated carboranes. Also provided is an ion detective sensor comprising halogenated carboranes as ion exchangers. Particularly, trimethylammonium-2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12 undecabromocarborane (TMAUBC) is used as ion exchangers.

Abstract: Ion-detecting sensors for detecting a target ion in a sample are provided. The sensor comprises a plasticizer-free copolymer comprised of polymerized units of methacrylate monomers having pendent alkyl groups of different length and a functionalized ionophore of said ion, wherein at least a portion of the functionalized ionophore is grafted into the copolymer through covalent linkages. Sensors may comprise ionophores such as hydrophilic crown ethers or functionalized derivative of 3-oxapentandiaminde-type ionophores. This invention further provides sensors for detecting target ions in a sample, comprising plasticizer-free molecularly imprinted polymers, wherein the polymers comprise polymerized units of methacrylate monomers having pendent alkyl groups of different length and a functionalized ionophore of said ion. In particular, a magnesium ion sensor comprising a functionalized derivative of a 3-oxapentandiaminde-type calcium ion-selective ionophore is provided.

Abstract: A method is disclosed for determining the concentration of trivalent chromium Cr(III) in a sample. The addition of perchloric acid has been found to increase the atomic chromium spectrometric signal due to Cr(III), while leaving the signal due to hexavalent chromium Cr(VI) unchanged. This enables determination of the Cr(III) concentration without pre-concentration or pre-separation from chromium of other valences. The Cr(III) concentration may be measured using atomic absorption spectrometry, atomic emission spectrometry or atomic fluorescence spectrometry.

Abstract: This invention relates to a metal ion specific capacitance sensor with exceptional sensitivity and wide operating range. It is versatile because different kinds of recognition elements can be immobilized directly in a self-assembling monolayer substantially completely covering the surface of the measuring noble metal electrode. The electrode then becomes selective to those metal ions in the solution that show affinity to the recognition element on the surface. Compared to previously described electrochemical sensors, the sensor according to the present invention shows many orders of magnitude better sensitivity because of the unique measuring principle.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making a bismuth molybdate precursor solution using a metallorganic decomposition (MOD) process consisting of the formation of a precursor sol of hexanoates of Bismuth (Bi) and Molybdenum (Mo). The precursor solution is used to make thin film of Bismuth molybdate by spin coating and spray pyrolysis. The bismuth molybdate films have the useful alpha and gamma phases having high sensitivity to ethanol gas, the detection of the ethanol gas is based upon the change of electrical conductivity of a thick film of the semiconductor oxide sensing element resulting from the ethanol gas in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. When the drying is effected by spray pyrolysis, quite thick films with high adhesion have been produced over different substrates, including quartz. The thin film of the present invention made by spray pyrolysis has a very fast response to ethanol detection eg typically 5 seconds.

Abstract: The present invention relates to sensors for the determination of organometallic compounds comprising the following elements: a) an inorganic, organic or polymeric support, insoluble in the sample to analyze b) an indicator which reversibly reacts with the organometallic compound and whose reaction product gives a characteristic absorption, reflection or emission band in the range 150-15000 nm and which is physically trapped, adsorbed, absorbed, dissolved or chemically linked in an electrostatic or covalent way to the support c) an optical sensor which measures the absorption, reflection or emission of the functionalized support at the characteristic wavelength and transforms it in the concentration of the organometallic present in the solution. Also described is the method for the determination of the concentration of organometallic compounds by the on line use of a sensor as above defined.

Abstract: A self-diagnostic test, a self-diagnostic test apparatus, and method of manufacturing a self-diagnostic test for screening for elemental mineral imbalances in a patient utilizing an analysis of the reaction of mineral specific reagents to a sample from a patient are provided. In one embodiment, the invention is directed to a test for those elements that occur naturally in the body. In such an embodiment, the invention may test for those elements that comprise about 0.001% of the body weight or less (microtrace), those elements that comprise about 4% of the body weight or less (trace), those elements that comprise up to 96% of the body weight (mass), or any combination of the above.

Abstract: A method for the determination of hexavalent chromium (CrVI) in environmental and industrial hygiene samples is provided. Based on the chemical properties of chromium species in aqueous solutions, a simple, fast, sensitive, and economical field method has been developed and evaluated for the determination of hexavalent chromium (CrVI). Using ultrasonic extraction in combination with a strong anion exchange solid phase extraction (SAE-SPE) technique, the filtration, preconcentration, and isolation of CrVI in the presence of other chromium species and interferents was achieved.

Abstract: A method of speciated isotope dilution mass spectrometry (SIDMS) which will permit determination of concentrations of one or more species from a sample even if the sample has been subjected to species conversion prior to species separation or degradation or incomplete separation exists. At least one predetermined stable isotope is spiked to convert the stable isotope to a speciated enriched isotope corresponding to the specie or species to be measured in the sample. The sample containing the species to be measured is spiked and the isotopic spiked specie and species to be measured are equilibrated. The species are separated from the sample and an isotope ratio determination for each specie to be measured is made. The species concentrations are then mathematically deconvoluted while correcting for species conversion and/or incomplete separation. The method may be employed to validate other methods. The method may also be employed in the preparation and analysis of speciated standard reference materials.

Abstract: A test for determining the presence of multi-valent metal contaminants, such as arsenic, mercury and chromium, when present in certain valence states and a system for removal of these contaminants from water. Multi-valent metal salts, for example, Cr+6, which are highly toxic, can be detected and potentially removed from water through a redox reaction by reaction with iron or cobalt salts to obtain a reductive elimination of the Cr+6 by conversion to Cr+3. The determination may be in the form of a test, such that a tableted composition can be introduced into water for reduction of a metal salt, such as Cr+6 to Cr+3 in order to provide a visual indication thereof. The system for the conversion of Cr+6 or other reducible metal salts to other lower valence states having less toxicity would rely upon introduction of a metal salt in the form of a reducing agent which would be introduced into the water allowing for a reduction/oxidation action to take place.

Abstract: A test for determining the presence of multi-valent metal contaminants, such as arsenic, mercury and chromium, when present in certain valence states and a system for removal of these contaminants from water. Multi-valent metal salts, for example, Cr+6, which are highly toxic, can be detected and potentially removed from water through a redox reaction by reaction with iron or cobalt salts to obtain a reductive elimination of the Cr+6 by conversion to Cr+3. The determination may be in the form of a test, such that a tableted composition can be introduced into water for reduction of a metal salt, such as Cr+6 to Cr+3 in order to provide a visual indication thereof, The system for the conversion of Cr+6 or other reducible metal salts to other lower valence states having less toxicity would rely upon introduction of a metal salt in the form of a reducing agent which would be introduced into the water allowing for a reduction/oxidation action to take place.

Abstract: A combinatorial method is provided for the preparation and screening of heterogeneous catalysts. The method comprises the steps of: (I) providing a library of elemental catalysts; (II) reacting the catalysts with a carbon source to form product directly on the catalyst; and (III) screening the products to evaluate the catalysts.

Abstract: A portable instrument for automatic collection and analysis of airborne lead concentrations in ambient air environments. Its improvements to the art of airborne lead detection and analysis permit the apparatus to analyze samples previously collected by personal monitors, for example, worn on the clothing of personnel working in contaminated sites. The apparatus also brings to the art of lead analysis a method of contaminant collection that ensures a greater capture efficiency of airborne contaminants, thereby increasing the accuracy of the instrument and its measurement capabilities while providing near real-time analysis and measurement in a portable self-contained battery-powered device. The apparatus also offers a remarkable improvement in the reduction of wastes incurred in the collection and analysis of airborne lead contaminants which is a novel method of concentrating the samples and recycling the analysis media used to concentrate and solubilize lead contaminants.

Abstract: Titanium oxide exhibiting a superior photocatalytic activity through irradiation of a visible light as well as an ultraviolet light, and a photocatalyst and a photocatalytic coating agent including said titanium oxide, wherein said titanium oxide has a value of an index X1 calculated by the following equation (I) of not more than about 0.90, and a value of an index Y1 calculated by the following equation (II) of not less than 0.

Abstract: A fluorescent probe is applied to bind to a metal oxide on a substrate and the substrate is exposed to an ultraviolet light to identify the metal oxide. A chemical cleaning or stripping solution is selected by combinatorial high throughput screening (CHTS). In the method, an array of regions is defined on a substrate, a candidate cleaning/stripping solution is deposited onto the regions to effect cleaning/stripping of the regions; a fluorescent probe is applied to bind to a metal oxide on the substrate; the substrate is exposed to an ultraviolet light to identify the metal oxide and a product of the cleaning/stripping is evaluated according to the identified metal oxide. An activated metal substrate composition is provided that comprises a metal substrate with a contaminant metal oxide coating and a fluorescent activator bound to the substrate by reaction with the metal oxide coating.

Abstract: A method for determining the amount of metal amino acid chelate present in various chelate compositions. FT-IR is used to determine the amount of free amino acid present. The bound amino acids may be in the form of an amino acid complex or an amino acid chelate. A total metal analysis and measurement of ligand quantity is then performed, from which the percent of metal amino acid chelate in the sample is calculated.

Abstract: A method of assaying metal proteinate samples to determine compliance with European Union standard definitions for such products.

Abstract: Disclosed is a method of making a bismuth molybdate precursor solution using a metallorganic decomposition (MOD) process consisting of the formation of a precursor sol of hexanoates of Bismuth (Bi) and Molybdenum (Mo). The precursor solution is used to make thin film of Bismuth molybdate by spin coating and spray pyrolysis. The bismuth molybdate films have the useful alpha and gamma phases having high sensitivity to ethanol gas, the detection of the ethanol gas is based upon the change of electrical conductivity of a thick film of the semiconductor oxide sensing element resulting from the ethanol gas in an oxygen-containing atmosphere. When the drying is effected by spray pyrolysis, quite thick films with high adhesion have been produced over different substrates, including quartz. The thin film of the present invention made by spray pyrolysis has a very fast response to ethanol detection eg typically 5 seconds.

Abstract: The present invention is a colorimetric method, and kit therefore, for determining the level of elemental contaminants in a water source. In a preferred embodiment, the method comprises: (a) sampling a discrete amount of water to be tested, (b) contacting the water sample with a solid material having high specificity for reversibly binding to, or complexing with, the element to be detected, (c) separating the element-containing solid from the water sample, (d) eluting the element from the element-containing solid with an eluting solution, (e) adding a cation-containing solution capable of freeing the element to be detected from the eluting compound, (f) adding a buffer, (g) adding a colorimetric material capable of indicating the amount of metal present in the solution, (h) adding an oxidation-fixing reagent, and (i) estimating the amount of metal in the sample by comparing the solution to provided color standards.

Abstract: A fluorescent probe is applied to bind to a metal oxide on a substrate and the substrate is exposed to an ultraviolet light to identify the metal oxide. A chemical cleaning or stripping solution is selected by combinatorial high throughput screening (CHTS). In the method, an array of regions is defined on a substrate, a candidate cleaning/stripping solution is deposited onto the regions to effect cleaning/stripping of the regions; a fluorescent probe is applied to bind to a metal oxide on the substrate; the substrate is exposed to an ultraviolet light to identify the metal oxide and a product of the cleaning/stripping is evaluated according to the identified metal oxide. An activated metal substrate composition is provided that comprises a metal substrate with a contaminant metal oxide coating and a fluorescent activator bound to the substrate by reaction with the metal oxide coating.

Abstract: A method includes providing a substrate and depositing components of a test contaminant library onto regions of the substrate to form at least two test contaminant members of the library. In another method, a chemical cleaning solution is selected by combinatorial high throughput screening. In the method, components of a test contaminant library are deposited onto regions of a substrate to form at least two test contaminant members of the library. The substrate is cleaned with a cleaning solution and cleanliness of the substrate evaluated to select a cleaning solution for at least one of the contaminant members. In a final embodiment, the invention is a combinatorial high throughput screening array plate, comprising (A) a substrate and (B) a test contaminant library deposited on the substrate.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a microwave heated chemical process is disclosed. Time varying concentrations of some chemical substances within fumes in the microwave oven are monitored to detect concentration variations for which responses are known. Responses to the detected variations are initiated to control the chemical process without terminating the process. Examples of responses include varying microwave radiation energy, initiating safety systems, increased venting of the microwave oven, and so forth.

Abstract: A test for determining the presence of multi-valent metal contaminants, such as arsenic, mercury and chromium, when present in certain valence states and a system for removal of these contaminants from water. Multi-valent metal salts, for example, Cr+6, which are highly toxic, can be detected and potentially removed from water through a redox reaction by reaction with iron or cobalt salts to obtain a reductive elimination of the Cr+6 by conversion to Cr+3. The determination may be in the form of a test, such that a tableted composition can be introduced into water for reduction of a metal salt, such as Cr+6 to Cr+3 in order to provide a visual indication thereof. The system for the conversion of Cr+6 or other reducible metal salts to other lower valence states having less toxicity would rely upon introduction of a metal salt in the form of a reducing agent which would be introduced into the water allowing for a reduction/oxidation action to take place.

Abstract: The present invention refers to a method for atomic absorption spectroscopy of an analyte which is contained in a sample to be analyzed and which is converted into free atoms in an absorption volume of an atomizer, said method comprising the steps of (a) position- and time-dependent measuring of the atomic absorption over the cross-section of the absorption volume and (b) simultaneous determination of surface temperatures of the atomizer.

Abstract: Homogeneous fluorescence polarization (anisotropy) assays for detecting and quantifying metal ions in solution, based the metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule, or the binding of a metal ion to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. The metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule (metallo-macromolecule) effects a measurable change in anisotropy as will the binding of metal ions to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. Binding of the fluorescent ligand to the unlabeled macromolecule is metal dependent with the change in anisotropy being proportional to the concentration of bound metal ions. No binding of the fluorescent ligand to the macromolecule occurs in the absence of metal ions. Conversely, if the fluorescent label is first conjugated to a metallo-macromolecule and the metallo-macromolecule is subsequently stripped of its metal ion, it may then be used to transduce the binding of metal ions.

Abstract: A method and apparatus are provided for quantifying molybdate corrosion inhibitor concentrations in lithium halide brines of absorption refrigeration systems. This permits monitoring and control of the inhibitor level. A reagent is chosen for reacting with the molybdate in the brine to provide a readily identifiable characteristic color, the intensity of which is a function and measure of the molybdate concentration. The reagent is an acidified reducing agent which reacts to provide a significant characteristic color capable of optical detection without interference. In a lithium bromide brine, the molybdate concentration is conveniently identified by reaction with stannous chloride SnCl in hydrochloric acid Hcl (). The resulting color corresponds to a wavelength of about 550-560 nm (pink), and the intensity is a function of molybdate concentration. Portable measuring equipment, such as a hand held spectrophotometer, or colorimeter, provide a convenient means for making on-site measurements.

Abstract: A method for evaluating ratios of metallic impurities in lithographic materials is disclosed. The method comprises: separating said metal from said lithographic material by microwave heating; then adding said metal to an acid to form a solution; and finally analyzing said solution by a instrument to measure ratio of said metal.

Abstract: A rapid colorimetric assay is provided for determining the concentration of vanadyl and vanadate ion species, and total vanadium concentration, in a sample. A sample suspected of containing vanadium in one or more of these oxidation states is combined with a colorimetric substrate that will provide for different absorption spectra with vanadyl and vanadate complexes. Suitable colorimetric substrates include halogenated hydroxyquinolines, e.g. broxyquinoline (DBHQ). The solvent and assay conditions are chosen to minimize oxidation of the vanadium. The absorbance of the sample is then read at two wavelengths, one that indicates the presence of both vanadyl and vanadate, and one that indicates the presence only of one species, generally vanadate. By comparison to a standard curve, the total concentration and the species concentration of vanadium in the sample is determined.

Abstract: Homogeneous fluorescence polarization (anisotropy) assays for detecting and quantifying metal ions in solution, based the metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule, or the binding of a metal ion to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. The metal-dependent binding of a fluorescent ligand to an unlabeled macromolecule (metallo-macromolecule) effects a measurable change in anisotropy as will the binding of metal ions to a fluorescent labeled macromolecule. Binding of the fluorescent ligand to the unlabeled macromolecule is metal dependent with the change in anisotropy being proportional to the concentration of bound metal ions. No binding of the fluorescent ligand to the macromolecule occurs in the absence of metal ions. Conversely, if the fluorescent label is first conjugated to a metallo-macromolecule and the metallo-macromolecule is subsequently stripped of its metal ion, it may then be used to transduce the binding of metal ions.

Abstract: A method for analyzing metal in a fluid is provided comprising maintaining a first portion of a continuous filter media substrate at a temperature coinciding with the phase in which the metal is to be analyzed; contacting the fluid to a first portion of said substrate to retain the metal on the first portion of said substrate; preventing further contact of the fluid to the first portion of substrate; and contacting the fluid to a second portion of said substrate to retain metal on the second portion of the said substrate while simultaneously analyzing the first portion for metal.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for on-line decomposition of a hydrogen peroxide solution, for use in fabricating a semiconductor device, includes a membrane tube having a porous plug inserted in each end, with the porous plugs defining a space where a platinum catalyst is disposed. A first coupling tube is inserted into one end of the membrane tube to supply a hydrogen peroxide sample to the membrane tube. The hydrogen peroxide contained in hydrogen peroxide sample is decomposed into water and oxygen gas according to an action of the platinum catalyst. A second coupling tube is inserted into a second end of the membrane tube to discharge a diluted hydrogen peroxide solution to an analytical instrument, where the decomposed hydrogen peroxide solution is analyzed on-line.

Abstract: A polyfunctional amine, such as cyclam, substituted with 4-(N,N-dimethylao) benzonitrile, exhibits triple fluorescence and complexes with metal ions. The complexation of metal ions with the fluorophore changes the triple fluorescence characteristics of the fluorophore. Thus, this substituted polyfunctional amine provides an effective indicator for the qualitative and quantitative detection of metals.

Abstract: A method is used to detect a location of contaminant entry in a processing fluid production and distribution system. A wafer is placed in a clean container. The clean container is connected to a test point within the processing fluid production and distribution system. Processing fluid from the test point of the processing fluid production and distribution system is allowed to flow through the clean container. The wafer is dried. The wafer is then tested for the existence of contaminants.

Abstract: A system and method for controlling a microwave heated chemical process is disclosed. Time varying concentrations of some chemical substances within fumes in the microwave oven are monitored to detect concentration variations for which responses are known. Responses to the detected variations are initiated to control the chemical process without terminating the process. Examples of responses include varying microwave radiation energy, initiating safety systems, increased venting of the microwave oven, and so forth.

Abstract: A sampling method for collecting metallic contaminants from a surface of a wafer having an oxide film thereon. A sampling vessel comprises a bottom having a concave inner surface and a convex outer surface, a cylindrical wall extending from the edge of the bottom, and a step section having a plane intercepting an arc plane of the cylindrical wall for adapting the orientation flat of the wafer. Sampling liquid containing 0.1 to 10% HF and hydrogen peroxide dissolves the oxide film and collects the metallic contaminants by swinging the sampling vessel on the convex outer surface of the bottom.

Abstract: First and second semiconductor substrate samples formed with a first oxide layer with holes and a third semiconductor substrate sample formed with a second oxide layer having no hole are prepared. The first and the third samples are subject to the same contaminating process for contaminating the surface of the first oxide layer of the first sample and the surface within the hole, and the surface of the second oxide layer of the third sample. All of the first and second layers of the first to third samples are dissolved by the HF vapor. The dissolved solutions are collected and analyzed the amount of contaminating material contained in respective solutions. The contamination amount in the hole is derived from the first, second and third contamination amount from an equation:contamination amount in the hole =first contamination amount-second contamination amount-(surface exposing ratio.times.

Abstract: Methods and apparatus for the preparation and use of a substrate having an array of diverse materials in predefined regions thereon. A substrate having an array of diverse materials thereon is generally prepared by delivering components of materials to predefined regions on a substrate, and simultaneously reacting the components to form at least two materials. Materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, covalent network solids, ionic solids and molecular solids. More particularly, materials which can be prepared using the methods and apparatus of the present invention include, for example, inorganic materials, intermetallic materials, metal alloys, ceramic materials, organic materials, organometallic materials, non-biological organic polymers, composite materials (e.g., inorganic composites, organic composites, or combinations thereof), etc.

Abstract: A novel electrochemiluminescent (ECL) reaction between diaminoaromatic ligands and soluble metal ions, specifically reactions between aminoaromatic ligands, such as 2,4-diaminotoluene (2,4,DAT), 3,4-diaminotoluene (3,4,DAT) and 2,3-diaminonaphthalene (2,3-DAN) and metal ions such as Au(I), Cu(II), Cr(VI), Fe(III), Ru)III), Se(IV) and V(V). Such reactions form the basis for ECL assays in detection of various substances, such as the reactants. The ECL interaction between these substances can also form the basis for binding methods in the detection of other substances, such as nucleic acids and antibodies wherein the metal ion ligand ECL complex may be used as a label. The ECL assays are considered useful for carrying out field and laboratory analyses for the detection of TNT breakdown products and toxic metals in wastewater streams, soil, and ground water supplies.

Abstract: A method for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed that comprises applying sufficient microwave radiation to a temperature-monitored mixture of reagents, with at least one of the reagents being thermally responsive to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, and based on the monitored temperature, to maintain the added reagents at or closely about a predetermined temperature while substantially avoiding thermal dilution (or before substantial thermal dilution can occur) that otherwise would have been caused by the addition of the reagents to one another.

Abstract: The present invention relates to methods for digesting diphosphonic acid substituted cation exchange resins that have become loaded with actinides, rare earth metals, or heavy metals, in a way that allows for downstream chromatographic analysis of the adsorbed species without damage to or inadequate elution from the downstream chromatographic resins. The methods of the present invention involve contacting the loaded diphosphonic acid resin with concentrated oxidizing acid in a closed vessel, and irradiating this mixture with microwave radiation. This efficiently increases the temperature of the mixture to a level suitable for digestion of the resin without the use of dehydrating acids that can damage downstream analytical resins. In order to ensure more complete digestion, the irradiated mixture can be mixed with hydrogen peroxide or other oxidant, and reirradiated with microwave radiation.

Abstract: An analytical method for the quantitative determination of the impurities in silicon dioxide by which trace amounts of hardly soluble impurities contained in silicon dioxide can be reliably decomposed and converted into a solution so that the contents of all of the impurities contained in silicon dioxide or, in particular, zirconium in a natural quartz powder can be accurately determined. Silicon dioxide is decomposed with hydrofluoric acid or an acid mixture of hydrofluoric acid and another inorganic acid to give a decomposition solution which is, as such or after admixture with another inorganic acid, subjected to evaporation to dryness and the residue is heated to cause fusion with addition of a salt or hydroxide of an alkali metal followed by dissolution of the salt or hydroxide of an alkali metal with pure water or with an aqueous solution of an inorganic acid to give an aqueous solution which is subjected to quantitative analysis of the impurities therein.

Abstract: A continuous emission monitoring system is disclosed for detecting toxic substances of various types in either stack gas or ambient air. Particular systems are illustrated for monitoring lewisite and chromium(VI). Each system employs a gas sampler that utilizes a high-volume, wet cyclone concentrator unit which scrubs the contaminants from the gas into water or another suitable scrubbing solution. In-line chemical processing of the contaminated sample thus obtained is accomplished either within the sampling unit or by an external chemistry processing module. After processing to provide an analyte in the sample indicative of the presence of a predetermined contaminant, the sample stream is delivered to an ion chromatograph or other analyzer to determine the presence and quantity of the analyte and indicate whether a danger level has been reached. This provides monitoring on an essentially real-time or near real-time basis.

Abstract: A method for microwave assisted chemical processes is disclosed that comprises applying sufficient microwave radiation to a temperature-monitored mixture of reagents, with at least one of the reagents being thermally responsive to electromagnetic radiation in the microwave range, and based on the monitored temperature, to maintain the added reagents at or closely about a predetermined temperature while substantially avoiding thermal dilution (or before substantial thermal dilution can occur) that otherwise would have been caused by the addition of the reagents to one another.

Abstract: A method of extracting anionic species from a solid or liquid medium by contacting the medium with an extract solvent of supercritical carbon dioxide and a positively charged complexant ligand for solubilizing and extracting the anionic species form the medium.

Abstract: Homogeneous assays for determining quantitatively the extent of a specific binding reaction can be carried out effectively on very dilute solutions using measurements of fluorescence if a fluorescence measurement scheme that is capable of rejecting short-lived background fluorescence is employed and if the fluorescent group being measured has the following properties: a. the group being measured must be a rare earth metal chelate complex combination; b. the chelate must be water-soluble; c. the complex combination must also be stable in extremely dilute aqueous solutions, that is, the measured chelate must have at least one ligand having a metal-to-ligand binding constant of at least about 10.sup.13 M.sup.-1 or greater and it must have a fluorescent emission that is long-lived compared to the longest decay lifetime of ambient substances and have a half life of from 0.01 to 50 msec.

Abstract: A device (10) is disclosed for measuring the concentration of metal ions in solution, particularly lead in blood. The device comprises a mercury free electrode (16), which is separated from the test solution (21) by a layer of material (20) which permits passage therethrough of the ions to be measured. In preferred embodiments an insulating layer (18) having an array of photoablated holes (19) is disposed between the electrode and the ion-permeable layer (20). Also disclosed are methods for operating the device and measuring ion concentration using anodic stripping voltametry, and assay kits incorporating devices as described together with appropriate meters and circuitry.