Spectrochimica Acta. Part A, Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy

Our medical research library holds 6 studies published in Spectrochimica Acta. Part A, Molecular and Biomolecular Spectroscopy (2004–2025). Each entry links to the study's record on PubMed and, where there is one, to the publisher's page and a free full text. 6 have an abstract, the authors' own summary as PubMed records it: open "Abstract" to read it.

About the journal

• Publisher: Elsevier
• Published: 1995 to the present, England
• Language: English
• ISSN: 1386-1425 (print), 1873-3557 (electronic)
• Continues: Spectrochimica Acta. Part A, Molecular Spectroscopy
• Its record in the NLM Catalog

2020s

• Identification, mapping, and quantification of asbestos minerals in ACM and NOA using NIR-SWIR hyperspectral scan imaging: Preliminary study. L. Marzini, I. Osticioli, D. Ciofini, et al. 2025;333:125893. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Here, we aimed at extending the Near Infrared-Short-wave infrared (NIR-SWIR) spectroscopy approach in characterizing Asbestos Containing Materials (ACM) and Natural Occurring Asbestos (NOA) through the development and testing of a novel portable asbestos mapping tool based on Hyperspectral Imaging (NIR-HSI) tool. This was built using high resolution spectroscopy over a range of about 170 nm around the OH overtone bands (about 1370-1420 nm), a supercontinuum laser for vibrational excitation, compact XYZ translation stages, and dedicated software. The vibrational reflection data measured using this system allowed discriminating different asbestos minerals and to define the methodological basis for their quantification in various matrices. Point scan NIR-SWIR reflectance images with a spatial resolution of about 50 µm allowed successfully mapping asbestos inclusion in proximity of the surface of a set of samples. The experimentation demonstrated the possibility of characterizing asbestos in NOA or ACM directly in situ, through mineral mapping providing qualitative and semi-quantitative information on the asbestos fiber contents.

  Copyright © 2025 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

• Asbestos detection in construction and demolition waste by different classification methods applied to short-wave infrared hyperspectral images. G. Bonifazi, G. Capobianco, S. Serranti, et al. 2024;307:123672. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  In this study, different multivariate classification methods were applied to hyperspectral images acquired, in the short-wave infrared range (SWIR: 1000-2500 nm), to define and evaluate quality control actions applied to construction and demolition waste (C&DW) flow streams, with particular reference to the detection of hazardous material as asbestos. Three asbestos fibers classes (i.e., amosite, chrysotile and crocidolite) inside asbestos-containing materials (ACM) were investigated. Samples were divided into two groups: calibration and validation datasets. The acquired hyperspectral images were first explored by Principal Component Analysis (PCA). The following multivariate classification methods were selected in order to verify and compare their efficiency and robustness: Hierarchical Partial Least Squares-Discriminant Analysis (Hi-PLSDA), Principal Component Analysis k-Nearest Neighbors (PCA-kNN) and Error Correcting Output Coding with Support Vector Machines (ECOC-SVM). The classification results obtained for the three models were evaluated by prediction maps and the values of performance parameters (Sensitivity and Specificity). Micro-X-ray fluorescence (micro-XRF) maps confirmed the correctness of classification results. The results demonstrate how SWIR-HSI technology, coupled with multivariate analysis modelling, is a promising approach to develop both "off-line" and "online" fast, reliable and robust quality control strategies, finalized to perform a quick assessment of ACM presence.

  Copyright © 2023 The Author(s). Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

2010s

• Structural and microstructural aspects of asbestos-cement waste vitrification. J. Iwaszko, A. Zawada, I. Przerada, et al. 2018;195:95-102. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  The main goal of the work was to evaluate the vitrification process of asbestos-cement waste (ACW). A mixture of 50 wt% ACW and 50 wt% glass cullet was melted in an electric furnace at 1400 °C for 90 min and then cast into a steel mold. The vitrified product was subjected to annealing. Optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy (SEM), Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) were used to evaluate the effects of the vitrification. The chemical constitution of the material before and after the vitrification process was also analyzed. It was found that the vitrified product has an amorphous structure in which the components of asbestos-cement waste are incorporated. MIR spectroscopy showed that the absorption bands of chrysotile completely disappeared after the vitrification process. The results of the spectroscopic studies were confirmed by X-ray studies - no diffraction reflections from the chrysotile crystallographic planes were observed. As a result of the treatment, the fibrous asbestos construction, the main cause of its pathogenic properties, completely disappeared. The vitrified material was characterized by higher resistance to ion leaching in an aquatic environment than ACW and a smaller volume of nearly 72% in relation to the apparent volume of the substrates. The research has confirmed the high effectiveness of vitrification in neutralizing hazardous waste containing asbestos and the FT-IR spectroscopy was found to be useful to identify asbestos varieties and visualizing changes caused by the vitrification process. The work also presents the current situation regarding the utilization of asbestos-containing products.

  Copyright © 2018 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.

2000s

• Application of portable Raman instruments for fast and non-destructive detection of minerals on outcrops. J. Jehlicka, P. Vítek, H.G. Edwards, et al. 2009;73(3):410-9. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Raman spectral signatures have been obtained in situ for a series of minerals using portable Raman instruments. Cerussite, anglesite, wulfenite, titanite, calcite, tremolite, andradite and quartz were detected using portable Raman spectrometer First Defender XL (Ahura). Baryte, almandine and realgar Raman spectra obtained by this instrument in the field were compared to the data measured by the other mobile Raman instrument Inspector Raman (DeltaNu). Bench Raman dispersive microspectrometer (InVia Reflex, Renishaw) was used for comparative purposes. All spectra were obtained using a 785nm diode excitation. Although displaying lower spectral resolution comparing with the laboratory confocal instrument both portable instruments permit unambiguous detection of minerals in the field. These possibilities designate portable Raman machines as excellent tools for field geological applications. Miniaturised Raman instrument combined with LIBS will be included in the payload of the EXO Mars mission and would open interesting research possibilities in other in situ field planetary studies.

• EPR, optical, infrared and Raman spectral studies of Actinolite mineral. N.O. Gopal, K.V. Narasimhulu, J.L. Rao. 2004;60(11):2441-8. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR), optical, infrared and Raman spectral studies have been performed on a natural Actinolite mineral. The room temperature EPR spectrum reveals the presence of Mn(2+) and Fe(3+) ions giving rise to two resonance signals at g = 2.0 and 4.3, respectively. The resonance signal at g = 2.0 exhibits a six line hyperfine structure characteristic of Mn(2+) ions. EPR spectra have been studied at different temperatures from 123 to 433 K. The number of spins (N) participating in the resonance at g = 2.0 has been calculated at different temperatures. A linear relationship is observed between log N and 1/T in accordance with Boltzmann law and the activation energy was calculated. The paramagnetic susceptibility (chi) has been calculated at different temperatures and is found to be increasing with decreasing temperature as expected from Curie's law. From the graph of 1/chi versus T, the Curie constant and Curie temperature have been evaluated. The optical absorption spectrum exhibits bands characteristic of Fe(2+) and Fe(3+) ions. The crystal field parameter Dq and the Racah parameters B and C have been evaluated from the optical absorption spectrum. The infrared spectral studies reveal the formation of Fe(3+)--OH complexes due to the presence of higher amount of iron in this mineral. The Raman spectrum exhibits bands characteristic of Si--O--Si stretching and Mg?OH translation modes.

• ESR investigation of the oxidative damage in lungs caused by asbestos and air pollution particles. M.B. Kadiiska, A.J. Ghio, R.P. Mason. 2004;60(6):1371-7. PubMed · Publisher

  Abstract

  Exposure to asbestos and air pollution particles can be associated with increased human morbidity and mortality. However, the molecular mechanism of lung injuries remains unknown. It has been postulated that the in vivo toxicity results from the catalysis of free radical generation. Using electron spin resonance (ESR) in conjunction with the spin trap alpha-(4-pyridyl-1-oxide)-N-tert-butylnitrone (4-POBN) we previously investigated in vivo free radical production by rats treated with intratracheal instillation of asbestos (crocidolite fibers) and an emission source air pollution particle (oil fly ash). In this report we compare the effect of two different exposures on the type of free radicals they induce in in vivo animal model. Twenty-four hours after the exposure, ESR spectroscopy of the chloroform extract from lungs of animals exposed to either asbestos or oil fly ash gave a spectrum consistent with a carbon-centered radical adduct (aN = 15.01 G and aH = 2.46 G). To test whether free radical formation occurred in vivo and not in vitro, a number of control experiments were performed. Combinations (both individually and together) of asbestos or oil fly ash and 4-POBN were added to lung homogenate of unexposed rats prior to chloroform extraction. No detectable ESR signal resulted. To exclude the possibility of ex vivo free radical generation, asbestos or oil fly ash was added to lung homogenate of an animal treated with 4-POBN. Also, 4-POBN was added to lung homogenate from rats instilled with asbestos or oil fly ash. Neither system produced radical adducts, indicating that the ESR signal detected in the lung extracts of the treated animals must be produced in vivo and not ex vivo or in vitro. In conclusion, ESR analysis of lung tissue demonstrated that both exposures produce lipid-derived radical metabolites despite their different composition and structure. Analogously, both exposures provide evidence of in vivo enhanced lipid peroxidation. Furthermore, it is concluded that without the presence of a spin-trapping agent, no free radical metabolites could be detected directly by ESR in either exposure.

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