Elemental analysis under scrutiny again as competition raises accuracy questions

The common journal standard of 0.4% for elemental analysis has come under scrutiny again as researchers demonstrate the method has a failure rate exceeding 25% in correctly identify the molecular formula for tryptophan. This comes after the method – particularly the journal standard – came under fire for the lack of reliability in measurements resulting in Wiley dropping the requirement for its journals. Now, there is growing pressure in the research community to reconsider the 0.4% guideline, although some scientists say that it is still a useful metric.

Elemental analysis can identify and quantify the relative proportions of elements in a sample using combustion chemistry. Highly-sensitive instruments are often required as very low levels of elements are sometimes being dealt with. Ease of sample preparation and multi-elemental screening has historically meant elemental analysis was a well-accepted tool.