Open Access

Regulatory testing of cannabis and hemp commonly prioritizes As, Cd, Pb, and Hg, yet inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP‐MS) workflows often require extensive tuning and method setup that can be difficult to implement in resource‐limited laboratories. Although general guidance exists, quantitative ranges for critical settings are still sparsely documented for cannabis matrices, and “one‐set” conditions may not transfer well across instruments. To address this gap, we developed a resource‐efficient, low‐run screening strategy intended to reduce trial‐and‐error, reagent consumption, and instrument time when only a limited number of runs is feasible, using two linked 12‐run, resolution‐III Plackett–Burman designs generated in R. First, key ICP‐MS parameters were screened under QC conditions to define a stable operating region. Second, digestion factors (acid composition/volumes, temperature program, sample mass, and predigestion) were assessed using spiked inflorescence samples. Apparent effects were identified using standard screening diagnostics and supported by two‐factor trend visualizations. The screening highlighted three underreported practical contributors—RF power, peristaltic‐pump speed, and operation without inrun dilution—as dominant drivers of robustness, together with element‐dependent recovery drivers: As was mainly governed by HCl level; Cd and Hg by coupled HCl volume × sample mass trends; and Pb by combined heating‐ramp/HNO₃ and temperature/predigestion patterns. Because resolution‐III designs alias main effects with specific two‐factor interactions, the numerical effects should be interpreted as first‐pass screening estimates rather than definitive optima and require higher resolution confirmation. Overall, the study provides a quantitative map of factor relevance for cannabis metal digestion and narrows the experimental space for subsequent optimization and validation.

Editorial zur Topical Collection ANAKON 2025

Algae from the Viridiplantae lineage grow on glaciers and semi-permanent snow patches globally. These algal taxa have adapted to extreme environmental conditions, such as freezing temperatures, high light, and oligotrophic nutrient availability. However, how cryosphere algae balance their cellular nutrients to deal with these conditions is not fully known. To address this knowledge gap, we used single-cell inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry to quantify the single-cell ionomes (Phosphorus, Magnesium, Calcium, Copper, Iron, Manganese, and Zinc) of cryosphere chlorophyte algae, Microglena sp ., Raphidonema sempervirens , and Deuterostichococcus sp ., and compared them to mesophile chlorophyte algae, Acutodesmus obliquus and Chlamydomonas reinhardtii . We validated our results through mass spectrometric analyses of digested cultures. When corrected to average cell biovolume, cryosphere algae had lower Phosphorus, Magnesium, and Calcium, consistent with slow cellular metabolism adapted to cold life. Under Phosphorus-starvation, Raphidonema showed no impact of extracellular Phosphorus loss on its single-cell ionome, however, Microglena had a correlative loss of Phosphorus and Magnesium, and an increase in Copper, indicating Phosphorus mobilisation via polyphosphate hydrolysis. Our results provide a comprehensive insight into the single-cell ionomes of ryosphere and mesophile hlorophyte algae and reveal insights into nutrient homeostasis in algal cells adapted to the cryosphere.

The banded iron formation (BIF) of the Saksaganska Formation within the Kryvyi Rih belt in Ukraine hosts one of the largest Fe ore resources in Europe. The multistage genesis of Fe ores involves gas-bearing fluids of complex and unresolved origins. This study aims to identify sources of these gases and their generation mechanisms within evolving fluid systems, which were responsible for Fe ore formation, upgrading, and alteration, as this is crucial for refining ore genetic models. Trace element geochemistry and stable C-N isotopes of fluid inclusion gases are used to determine multiple generations of iron oxides and associated gangue minerals, reflecting mineral transformations that fostered the development of large-scale gas-bearing fluid systems during high-temperature metamorphic and metasomatic-hydrothermal reactions. The C-N isotope compositions of quartz-hosted fluid inclusion gases from various sites within the Kryvyi Rih belt record high carbon fluxes and progressive evolution of CO2( ± N2-CH4)-bearing fluid systems during the late Paleoproterozoic. The dynamic large-scale fluid migration encompassing multiple fluid flow pulses played a pivotal role in the upgrading of Fe quartzites into high-grade hypogene Fe ores of the Saksagansk type. The δ13C(CO2) and δ15N values of fluid inclusion gases hosted in quartz within schists, ferruginous horizons, and shear zones suggest different carbon sources, including graphite-rich schists, metamorphic decarbonation reactions, devolatilization of greenstone belt sequences, metasomatic-hydrothermal decomposition of Fe carbonates, and igneous sources. Unique trace element compositions observed in specular hematite and magnetite indicate selective alteration by Nb-Ta-rare earth element + Y (REY)-bearing hydrothermal fluids likely originating from a deep alkaline magmatic source.

Elastomers commonly used as sealing materials are highly networked rubbery polymers. They are often produced using per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) either during manufacturing or as additives to enhance their performance during applications in harsh environments. Due to the lack of reliable recycling strategies without compromising the resulting polymer-quality, sealing materials are often disposed of in landfills. Thus, they represent a possible source of continuous PFAS contamination of both the immediate environment and surrounding ground water reservoirs through landfill leachates. To assess the scope of fluorine content, we developed a potential Standard Operating Protocol (SOP) to allow for subsequent fluorine/PFAS determination in various blends of sealing materials. Optimizations were aimed for time efficiency and robustness of results. The SOP entails a shredding sequence from roughly cutting to sieving. Optimal results were obtained for the fraction size between 125 250 µm. Extractions performed with either acidified methanol or ultra-pure water proved reproducibility of results and revealed high extractable fluorine concentrations for most sealing materials investigated. The high fluorine concentrations extracted by water further puts emphasis on the risks associated with leaching from microplastics generated by material abrasion during their lifetime and within landfills. The SOP can easily be expedited by implementation of additional sample preparation steps such as Solid Phase Extraction to explicitly measure extractable organofluorides. In prospect of the broad ban of PFAS proposed by the European Chemical Agency (ECHA), it will be imperative to reliably screen products for fluorine and PFAS and scan for future compliance. Regarding the derogations discussed for certain applications such as NafionTM in Proton Exchange Membranes and sealants in industrial sites, the SOP will allow for the fast screening of fluorine leaching to help advance the development of materials safe and sustainable by design.