Atomic spectrometry update: review of advances in environmental analysis

Highlights in the field of air analysis included: development of laboratory-based particle emission simulators to emulate real-world processes such as tyre-wear abrasion; ongoing performance verification of Hg calibrators; progress in laser and spark emission spectroscopic techniques for in situ aerosol measurements, advances in data processing software tools in supporting sp-ICP-MS measurements, feasibility of using aerosol mass spectrometers for measuring nanoplastics in air, and a comprehensive review of brown carbon aerosols, its sources, optical properties and measurement approaches used. While recent developments in water analysis include significant progress in sp-ICP-MS, including the introduction of new measurement protocols, determination of isotope ratios, and new reference materials. The number of studies employing LIBS for assessing metal burdens in water has also grown notably, particularly with respect to innovations in sample preparation. Advances were further reported in the development of portable analytical devices and systems for continuous environmental water monitoring. In addition, several comprehensive reviews were published, providing guidance for researchers on establishing robust measurement workflows, including split-stream and sp-ICP-MS methodologies. In the analysis of plants and soils, there has been increased interest in deep eutectic solvents as milder and greener alternatives to traditional extractants. Microwave plasma torch mass spectrometry methods have been developed that allowed concurrent measurement of trace elements and organic pollutants in liquid samples. Promising steps have also been taken towards application of techniques for direct analysis of solids. Advances in LIBS have largely focussed on data processing and modelling whilst in XRF, the influence of soil matrix composition on measurement accuracy was highlighted. Quantitative geochemical analysis faces continuous challenges, making the development of new RMs a persistent priority, especially for localized microanalysis. Application of LIBS is gaining increasing interest because of its portability and the use of machine learning tools to improve the quality of the obtained data. Interest is also increasing in the analysis of extraterrestrial samples. Novel ICP-MS instrumentation has offered highly precise isotopic analysis and spectral interference removal. Other important techniques in this review period have been nanoSIMS, NAA, and MS variants because they may provide new and enhanced chemical information. The fusion of data and the significantly increasing application of AI for rapid mineral identification and data integration marks a key trend that is expected to grow exponentially. This journal is © The Royal Society of Chemistry, 2026