TOC, short for <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/documents/203-821-679/?_gl=1*1gfpag2*_up*MQ..*_ga*MTA1NDA5NTg5OC4xNzc5NjQwNTM1*_ga_KRDSR1XM7X*czE3Nzk2NDA1MzQkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzk2NDA1MzQkajYwJGwwJGgw*_ga_K8NYKVEKHY*czE3Nzk2NDA1MzQkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzk2NDA1MzQkajYwJGwwJGgxOTI5MTg0MDYz">Total Organic Carbon</a>, is an important metric when analyzing soil health. Soils with high TOC content indicate high levels of biodiversity, as organic carbon fuels microbial activity. This enhanced biodiversity is incredibly beneficial to the soil. It boosts nutrient cycling and natural disease suppression, while also contributing to overall soil fertility and plant productivity.Soil biodiversity also leads to better water retention. Organic carbon binds soil particles together to make stable aggregates, which improves the overall soil structure and allows it to retain more water. This feat encourages overall plant health and the sequestration of carbon. Soils with low TOC content, however, experience limited biodiversity, leading to poor soil structure, greater amounts of erosion, and reduced crop yields.<h3>The Challenges of Determining TOC</h3>It’s important for stakeholders in the agriculture industry to pay special attention to the TOC levels in their soils if they want to get the most out of their crops. Knowing TOC levels helps to avoid blind addition of nutrients to soil, potentially cutting out unnecessary labor and costs. However, analyzing soil for TOC does come with its own set of challenges.For example, accurately distinguishing between organic and inorganic carbon requires effective separation of carbon species during analysis.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1845"> LECO’s RC612 </a>addresses this challenge through its temperature differentiation method, precisely controlling oxidation and decomposition conditions to selectively quantify carbon fractions. Alternatively, the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1883">C832</a>’s acid pretreatment method ensures reliable removal of inorganic carbon prior to combustion for accurate measurement of organic carbon.These approaches help mitigate common challenges such as incomplete carbonate removal, sample heterogeneity, or incomplete oxidation. While careful sample preparation remains important, leveraging instruments specifically designed to manage these variables is key to achieving precise, repeatable TOC results.<h3>Trust LECO with Your TOC</h3>Researchers and engineers at LECO have worked hard to continuously provide instrumentation that meets or exceeds expected performance. With a line of <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products?category=352&amp;manufacturerItems=24">carbon analyzers</a> that are suitable for TOC and more, you can trust LECO with your results, and you can count on our <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://www.leco.com/support/?_gl=1*13d4rug*_up*MQ..*_ga*MzkzNTEwNzk1LjE3Nzk2NDA0NzQ.*_ga_K8NYKVEKHY*czE3Nzk2NDA0NzQkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzk2NDA0NzQkajYwJGwwJGgzMzYyNzIxMzU.*_ga_KRDSR1XM7X*czE3Nzk2NDA0NzQkbzEkZzAkdDE3Nzk2NDA0NzQkajYwJGwwJGgw#">superior service</a> when your lab needs it. But don’t take our word for it—read and then click on the quotes below to discover what three different labs in countries across Europe had to say about their LECO instruments for TOC analysis:<blockquote>“We have been using these instruments since 2009, and every time they release a new version, we are impressed. They are very robust instruments, with very simple daily maintenance; they are built to work. Analysis times are very short, and their robustness, accuracy, repeatability, and precision are excellent. In short, they are instruments designed to work—the more we use them, the better they perform.”Paco San Nicolás, Head of the Ionomics Service at The Center for Soil Science and Applied Biology of Segura (CEBAS-CSIC), Murcia, Spain</blockquote>CEBAS-CSIC is a leading research center in Spain, critical for advancing sustainable soil and water management.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/leco_interview_with_paco_san_nicolas_csic_cebas_7c53cbb753.pdf">Read the entire interview with Paco.</a><blockquote>“…This allows us to determine the organic carbon content. In this way, we obtain both mineral and organic carbon values (TC/TOC/TIC).”“What was less common was applying a similar approach to sulfur. Existing standards dealing with sulfur mainly focus on coal but not soils. So, we combined and adapted different standards to develop a methodology suitable for soils and other geomaterials containing sulfur/sulfate species, and we now transferred this method to professional applications.”Myriam Duc, Researcher, and François Lansac, Engineering Assistant Université Gustave Eiffel, France</blockquote>Myriam Duc is known for her work regarding clay behavior, soil stabilization, and sustainable construction materials. Université Gustave Eiffel is both a university and a major research organization with a primary focus on sustainable urban development.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/leco_interview_with_universite_gustave_eiffel_ee64b83ece.pdf">Read their entire interview.</a><blockquote>“They (LECO instruments, including the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1843">RC612</a>, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/products/1884">CHN828</a>, and AC600) are an essential part of our analysis work. We don’t use them every day, but we rely on them regularly and they are very important for our daily work. Reliability is an important feature here.”Maria Lehtinen, Lab Manager Kuusakoski’s Research Center, Lahti, Finland</blockquote>Kuusakoski’s Research Centre focuses on advancing recycling technology and material recovery. Their mission is to restore value to waste and recover precious metals from waste more efficiently.<a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/labrulez-bucket-strapi-h3hsga3/leco_interview_with_kuusakoski_research_centre_dca94b5485.pdf">Read the entire interview with Maria.</a>

Gain Confidence in Your Total Organic Carbon (TOC) Data

Our Library never stops expanding. What are the most recent contributions to LabRulezICPMS Library in the week of 5th October 2026? Check out new documents from the field of spectroscopy/spectrometry and related techniques!<blockquote>👉 <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://icpms.labrulez.com/library">SEARCH THE LARGEST REPOSITORY OF DOCUMENTS ABOUT SPECTROSCOPY/SPECTROMETRY RELATED TECHNIQUES</a></blockquote><blockquote>👉 Need info about different analytical techniques? Peek into <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://lcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezLCMS</a> or <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://gcms.labrulez.com/library">LabRulezGCMS</a> libraries.</blockquote>This week we bring you technical note by Agilent Technologies, application notes by LECO and Thermo Fisher Scientific and poster by Shimadzu / AOAC!<h3>1. Agilent Technologies: ATR Sampling Accessories for the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/icpms/library?instrumentationItems=89&amp;mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=635">Agilent Cary 635 FTIR</a> Spectrometer</h3>An easy and versatile way to perform FTIR measurements<ul><li>Technical note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/pdf/5991_6858_EN_bcf9447b77.pdf">Full PDF for download</a>&nbsp;</li></ul>Attenuated total reflectance (ATR) is the most widely used sampling methodology for Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy. This popularity is due to its ability to quickly and easily measure a broad range of sample types, including liquids, solids, powders, semisolids, and pastes. The Agilent Cary 635 FTIR spectrometer uses a versatile modular concept, where precisely optimized sampling modules are attached to the front of the Cary 635 FTIR engine. Depending on the specific application or sample, different ATR sensors are used. Permanently aligned optics allow a wide range of modules to be swapped in seconds, with no user alignment. The Cary 635 FTIR accommodates a wide selection of ATR sensors, and features the ability to switch from one ATR sensor to another instantaneously.&nbsp;For most applications, single reflection zinc selenide (ZnSe), diamond, and germanium (Ge) ATR sampling modules are available for the Cary 635 FTIR. These modules are used with a sampling press, and are excellent for analyzing solid materials, as well as liquids, pastes, and gels. The diamond sensor is highly durable, and the best choice for harder materials. The ZnSe sensor is a good choice for softer solids. The Ge sensor, with a shorter pathlength, is the best choice for highly absorbing samples. In addition, the multireflection ZnSe ATR sampling module is a great option for the analysis of liquids, pastes, and gels, where extra sensitivity is&nbsp;needed.&nbsp;Because these sampling technologies are custom engineered for the Cary 635 FTIR, the analyst can have confidence in the results, whichever ATR sensor is chosen for their application. This custom engineering translates into the highest performance, sensitivity, and ease-of-use of any spectrometer in its class.<h4>ATR sensors for the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/icpms/library?instrumentationItems=89&amp;mainauthorItems=10&amp;search=635">Cary 635 FTIR&nbsp;</a></h4>Whether your applications require the single reflection ZnSe, diamond or Ge, or the multireflection ZnSe, the Cary 635 FTIR delivers class-leading performance. Unlike other FTIR spectrometers that use third-party accessories, sampling technology for the Cary 635 FTIR is custom designed by Agilent engineers, and perfectly matched to the optical characteristics of the spectrometer. The rugged, no‑alignment design permits instantaneous exchange of these ATR sampling technologies, so that any sample type you might face will readily be accommodated.&nbsp;<h5>Zinc selenide (ZnSe) ATR modules&nbsp;</h5>ZnSe is a semiconductor-type material that has been used for many years as an ATR sensing element. It is relatively hard, has a broad wavelength range, and is insoluble in water. For this reason, it is an excellent choice for pliable solids, pastes, gels, and liquids. It can be used to analyze aqueous solutions in the pH 5 to 9 range. The Cary 635 FTIR has two variations of ZnSe sampling technology available: multireflection and single reflection sensors.&nbsp;<h5>Single reflection ZnSe ATR module&nbsp;</h5>Because of the relatively short pathlength of infrared light into the sample, this sensor is ideal for neat samples; that is, samples that are relatively concentrated or pure. The single reflection ZnSe module is a good choice for identification of softer materials, as well as viscous liquids. When measuring solids, such as polymer films, it can be used with the Cary 635 FTIR.&nbsp;<h5>Multireflection ZnSe ATR module&nbsp;</h5>The exceptional performance of the Cary 635 FTIR, combined with the increased pathlength of the multireflection ATR sensor, demonstrates a spectrometer system of unsurpassed sensitivity. Lower concentration components in pastes, gels and liquids can be measured. Solutes in diluted or concentrated aqueous solutions in the pH range of 5 to 9 can also be analyzed. Since the multireflection sensor is recessed slightly in its stainless steel holder, it is ideal for analyzing nonviscous liquid samples. This sensor is a superior choice when qualitative or quantitative measurements are required. It is not recommended for use with solid materials, since it is not used with the pressure clamp.&nbsp;<h3>2. LECO: Temperature-Dependent Determination of Total Organic Carbon (TOC) in Geological Materials</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/pdf/RC_612_TOC_GEOLOGICAL_MATERIALS_203_821_543_d525d35b59.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Total Organic Carbon (TOC) determination in geological materials—such as metal-bearing ores, oil shales, minerals, and aggregates—is routinely performed to assess organic matter content. This is an essential quality control procedure used to identify locations of natural hydrocarbon fuel deposits and to ensure the quality and compositional integrity of raw materials used in construction.&nbsp;The organic Carbon content of rock and shale samples is one of the most important parameters used in the evaluation of sediments as a potential source for petroleum or natural gas. TOC content controls the hydrocarbon generation potential of the rock and the content of adsorbed natural gas within the rock, as it is the source material responsible for the formation of natural hydrocarbon fossil fuel deposits.&nbsp;The determination of TOC is also an important quality control procedure used during the manufacturing of cement, from the raw material to the final product. TOC content is used to monitor the quality of raw materials such as limestone and shale and manage the kiln operation. This allows manufacturers to ensure that the final product meets the requirements necessary for optimal performance and compliance with environmental regulations.<h4>Instrument Model and Configuration&nbsp;</h4>The <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/1845">LECO RC612</a> is a multiphase Carbon and moisture determinator with a variable ramp furnace and a wide Carbon detection range that is specifically designed to differentiate various forms of Carbon by the temperature at which they combust or decompose. This capability facilitates the temperature differentiation determination of the different species of Carbon in geological materials. The following application note outlines the instrument parameters and procedure for temperature-dependent Carbon determination using the RC612.<h4>Typical Results</h4>The low Carbon calibration was performed utilizing a single standard, linear, force through origin calibration, using LECO 502-029 Synthetic Carbon (1.00 % C). The high Carbon calibration was performed utilizing a linear, full regression calibration, using LECO 502-030 Synthetic Carbon (4.99 % C) and LECO 501-034 Calcium Carbonate (12.01 % C). The results are reported on a dry basis.<h3>3. Shimadzu / AOAC: Rapid analysis of harmful heavy metals in pet food using EDXRF</h3><ul><li>Poster</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/pdf/aoac_2026_24_4b781e06d8.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>On June 1, 2009, the Act on Ensuring the Safety of Pet Food was enacted in Japan, and compositional standards for dog and cat food were established. The ordinance specifies maximum levels for toxic heavy metals in pet food: cadmium (Cd) ≤ 1 μg/g, lead (Pb) ≤ 3 μg/g, and inorganic arsenic (As) ≤ 2 μg/g.&nbsp;Although atomic absorption spectrophotometry (AA) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) are commonly used for heavy metal analysis, they require complicated pretreatment such as acid digestion and skilled operators.&nbsp;In this study, we focused on X-ray fluorescence analysis, which enables simple and rapid pretreatment, and analyzed five elements: Cd, Pb, As, mercury (Hg), and selenium (Se). This poster presents the usefulness of X-ray fluorescence analysis for toxic heavy metals in pet food and discusses prospects.<h4>Methods</h4>An energy-dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometer, <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/icpms/library?mainauthorItems=1&amp;search=altrace">ALTRACE</a> (EDXRF; Shimadzu Corporation), was used for the analysis (Fig. 1). Table 1 summarizes the analytical conditions.&nbsp;The main features of EDXRF are as follows:&nbsp;<ul><li>Samples can be analyzed directly or with only simple pretreatment, such as grinding.&nbsp;</li><li>Elements from sodium (11Na) to uranium (92U) can be analyzed.&nbsp;</li><li>Various sample types, including solids, powders, and liquids, can be analyzed.&nbsp;</li><li>Typical measurement times range from a few minutes to several tens of minutes.</li><li>Quantification limit is well below 1 ppm.</li></ul><h4>Conclusion&nbsp;</h4>X-ray fluorescence analysis enables the determination of harmful heavy metals with simple sample pretreatment. ALTRACE, characterized by its high sensitivity, demonstrated a lower limit of quantification sufficient for analysis at the level of a few ppm, as well as good reproducibility.Since XRF is an elemental analysis technique, separate analysis is required to distinguish between the chemical forms of inorganic and organic arsenic; however, it is considered useful for the screening of hazardous heavy metals.<h3>4. Thermo Fisher Scientific: Characterizing carbon materials with Raman spectroscopy</h3><ul><li>Application note</li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/pdf/D19504_cc33b312f3.pdf">Full PDF for download</a></li></ul>Carbon nanomaterials have revolutionized the field of material science in recent years. Individual carbon nanomaterials offer a wide range of useful properties pertaining to electrical conductance, thermal resistance, and exceptional strength, making them very interesting materials to a broad range of industries. The high-level of interest in the processing, modification, and customization of these materials has created a strong demand for techniques that can be used to characterize carbon nanomaterials. Raman spectroscopy is one technique that has proven to be very well suited to many of the characterization needs with these materials.&nbsp;Raman spectroscopy is most sensitive to highly symmetric covalent bonds with little or no natural dipole moment. The carbon-carbon bonds that make up these materials fit this criterion perfectly and as a result Raman spectroscopy is highly sensitive to these materials and able to provide a wealth of information about their structure. As we shall see, Raman spectroscopy is capable of discerning even slight changes in structure making it a very valuable tool in the characterization of carbon nanomaterials.<h4>Raman highly sensitive to morphology&nbsp;</h4>Raman spectroscopy is particularly well suited to molecular morphology characterization of carbon materials. Every band in the Raman spectrum corresponds directly to a specific vibrational frequency of a bond within the molecule. The vibrational frequency and hence the position of the Raman band is very sensitive to the orientation of the bands and weight of the atoms at either end of the bond. Figure 2 shows an example in which the Raman spectrum of diamond is compared to the Raman spectra of crystalline silicon and germanium. These spectra show us several things. First, note that in the case of diamond, where the material consists of highly uniform C-C bonds in a tetrahedral crystal structure, the Raman spectrum is very simple. It consists of only a single band because all of the bonds in the crystal are of the same orientation and strength resulting in a single vibrational frequency. We also see that the spectrum of diamond is easily distinguished from the spectra of silicon and germanium by the frequency (cm-1 position) of the band even though they share the same tetrahedral crystal configuration. The heavier atoms of silicon and germanium slow the vibrational frequency and shift the corresponding Raman band to lower frequency as well.&nbsp;<ul><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/2239">Thermo Scientific DXR3 Raman Microscope</a></li><li><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer" href="https://labrulez.com/en-us/all/products/2235">Thermo Scientific DXR3 SmartRaman Spectrometer</a></li></ul><h4>Conclusions&nbsp;</h4>Raman is a very powerful and valuable technique that can be of great benefit to characterization of carbon nanomaterials. Raman is particularly well suited to detect small changes in structural morphology of carbon nanomaterials making it an indispensable tool for many material scientists working with carbon nanostructures. Raman instruments are very fast and provide a great deal of flexibility in samples that can be accommodated. Every lab that is characterizing carbon nanomaterials will benefit from having access to Raman instrumentation.

News from LabRulezICPMS Library - Week 41, 2026

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Everything from the world of analytical chemistry in one place. We connect people in solving their problems. At Labrulez you will find all the necessary information easily, quickly and clearly. Stop searching and start finding.

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In 1936, the Laboratory Equipment Company introduced the first rapid carbon determinator for the American iron and steel industry.  Today, almost 80 years later, LECO is recognized globally as a leader in the development of high-quality analytical instrumentation, mass spectrometers, comprehensive two-dimensional chromatography, metallography & optical equipment as well as consumables.

LECO

20th International Interdisciplinary Meeting on Bioanalysis – CECE 2026

Thermo Fisher Scientific Mass Spectrometry Users’ Meetings 2026

LECO Training Course GDS900/950 & CDP

The Journey to Generic Oncology

Introduction to PeakForce AFM-IR

Decoding Hierarchical Porosity with Differential Hysteresis Scanning on 3Flex and Complementary Empyrean SAXS