Koosseisuanalüüs

Koosseisuanalüüs, literally translated from Estonian as “composition analysis,” refers to the systematic determination of the elemental, isotopic, or molecular makeup of a material. It is a branch of analytical chemistry that provides quantitative or qualitative information about the constituents of solids, liquids, or gases. The primary aim of koosseisuanalüüs is to identify the proportion of each component present, which can then be used for quality control, forensic investigations, environmental monitoring, or material characterization.

Typical analytical techniques employed in koosseisuanalüüs include spectroscopy (such as atomic absorption, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, and X‑ray fluorescence), chromatographic methods (GC‑MS, HPLC), and thermogravimetric analysis. Sample preparation often involves digestion, homogenization, or extraction. Once data are collected, chemometric methods are employed to interpret overlapping signals and to generate a composition profile. In some instances, nuclear magnetic resonance and electron microscopy provide structural confirmation.

The field evolved alongside developments in instrumentation during the mid‑20th century, allowing more precise detection limits and faster throughput. Today, koosseisuanalüüs is integral to industries ranging from pharmaceuticals and mining to food safety and environmental remediation. Its applications also extend to the study of archaeological artifacts, where elemental fingerprints help trace provenance and manufacturing techniques. The discipline continues to advance with the integration of machine learning for data analysis and the design of miniaturized, portable instruments for field deployment.