spectroscopy
Spectroscopy is the study of how matter interacts with electromagnetic radiation across the spectrum, from UV and visible light to infrared and beyond. In plant science, it provides a powerful non-destructive tool for analyzing plant pigments, photosynthetic activity, nutrient status, and the presence of specific compounds within tissues. Researchers use spectroscopic techniques to monitor plant health, study stress responses, and investigate how plants accumulate or process various substances at the molecular level.
open_in_new WikipediaPubMed · 2026-04-19
Scientists combined two laser-based scanning techniques to quickly and accurately measure arsenic levels in a fern that naturally soaks up this toxic heavy metal from contaminated soil. The new combined approach outperformed either technique used alone, making it easier to screen plants used for environmental cleanup.
Arsenic concentrations in Pteris vittata samples spanned a wide range of 88–1956 mg/kg, showing the fern's strong and variable accumulation capacity across roots and fronds.
Data fusion of LIBS and XRF spectral signals outperformed either technique used alone, improving predictive accuracy for arsenic determination in compressed plant tissue pellets.
60 biological samples were processed into 180 compressed tablets, demonstrating a scalable, rapid sample-preparation workflow suitable for field or lab screening of phytoremediation plants.
