- Development and supply of matrix-type reference materials
- The present group is developing matrix-type reference materials which
are useful for validation and quality control in environmental and food
analysis, as well as technical education for analysts. These reference
materials are produced by a management system based on ISO Guide 34, and
metrological traceability for the reference materials have been established.
Abilities for analysis of the present group have been confirmed to be equivalent
to those of metrology institute of other countries through participation
in international comparative tests and thus, the reference materials are
internationally recognized. In the present group, development of basic
technologies used for the development of new standard materials are also
developing.
- Analyst Support Program for Skill Upgrading
- To support skill upgrading in analysis of inorganic constituents of environmental
and food samples, we had produced package programs comprising a proficiency
test (PT) and a follow-up technical lecture until 2014. From 2015 onwards,
We have supported our partner company to produce their programs (with similar
contents as above), through a technology consulting service utilizing the
technological capabilities we have gained through our research and development
activities.
- Development and advancement of techniques for elemental analyses
- In the present group, analytical technics and devices which are useful
to ensure reliability of elemental analyses are developing. Co-development
of analytical devises with private companies are also carried out. Currently,
we are working on the following research themes.
・Development of Analytical Systems for the Characterization of Nanoparticles
by Single Particle ICP-MS
Single particle ICP-MS (spICP-MS) is a relatively new technique that enables
determination of the particle number concentration and size of metal-based
nanoparticles (NPs). It has been being widely used as a tool for the characterization
of NPs in various NP-containing products, investigation of NP behavior
in the environment, and so on. We are developing analytical systems (such
as novel sample introduction systems) to provide more reliable and simple
measurement of the particle number concentration and size of NPs by spICP-MS.
・Establishment of a Determination Technique for Arsenosugar Compounds
Arsenosugar is one of the organoarsenic compounds, found chiefly in seaweed
samples and its behaviors are studied in fields related to public health,
healthcare, consumer safety, food quality and nutrition. However, there
are no reference materials which can be used as a calibrant in a determination,
for arsenosugar speciation available at present. In this study, we are
working on the development of pure material useful for quantification,
and also develop analytical techniques.
・Development and Application of an Automatic pH Adjustment Instrument
The pH condition of the sample solution is one of the key factors influencing
the results obtained by solid phase extraction. The optimum pH condition
varies with the targeting element and the functional group of the resins.
In many cases, the precision for pH adjustment requires a precise control
of H+ concentration at a concentration level of 10−6 mol L−1. At the same
time, it is extremely important to avoid contamination of targeting elements
during the operation of pH adjustment. The aims of the present research
are the development and the promulgation of automatic pH adjustment instrument
enabling accurate and precise pH adjustment and avoiding contamination
of targeting elements.
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