We critically compare particle induced X-ray emission (PIXE) on the ion microprobe with scanning electron microscopy with energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEMEDS) for the characterisation of gunshot residues (GSR). Samples of gunshot residue from several different firearms were collected. Individual particles of GSR were analysed by SEM-EDS using a 30keV electron beam focussed to ~10nm and...

Interest and debate continues today in the U.S. and Europe over whether organic foods are healthier for the consumer. Several studies show that fruits and vegetables may contain higher concentrations of vital nutrients. Using the PIXE technique, which is a quick and inexpensive way to analyze samples, this study is inconclusive on whether eating organic is necessarily healthier for an individua...

The direct detection of biologically relevant metals in single cells and of their speciation is a challenging task that requires sophisticated analytical developments. The aim of this article is to present the recent achievements in the field of cellular chemical element imaging, and direct speciation analysis, using proton and synchrotron radiation X-ray micro- and nano-analysis. The recent im...

Gasification of biomass ultimately generates at least one solid byproduct in which the inorganic constituents of the biomass are concentrated. Given the potential for utilization, or issues with disposal, facile methods are needed for determining the compositions of the fly ashes from recently-available gasifier-based bioenergy systems. Proton induced x-ray emission spectroscopy (PIXE) and indu...