micronutriëntenmet

Micronutriëntenmet, literally micronutrient measurement in Dutch, refers to the process and methods used to quantify essential trace elements in various matrices, such as soils, crops, foods, water, and biological samples. Micronutrients include iron, zinc, copper, manganese, selenium, iodine, and molybdenum, among others. The term emphasizes measurement over supplementation and is used in agriculture, nutrition research, and food quality control. In practice it is often used interchangeably with micronutriëntenanalyse or micronutriëntenmeting, depending on regional terminology.

Analytical techniques used for micronutriënntenmet include inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for multi-element quantification, atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS), and X-ray fluorescence (XRF) for solids and field measurements. Complementary methods such as colorimetric assays and ion chromatography are used for specific ions. Portable meters and field test kits allow rapid estimates, but laboratory instruments generally provide higher accuracy and lower detection limits, with careful sample preparation required to minimize contamination and matrix effects.

Applications span soil and plant tissue testing to guide fertilizer programs, assessment of micronutrient status in human nutrition and fortification programs, and quality control in the food industry. Challenges include matrix effects, calibration against certified reference materials, variation between laboratories, and the need for standardized reporting units and reference ranges. Ongoing research explores non-destructive and in situ approaches, automation, and improved miniaturized sensors to increase accessibility and speed without compromising reliability.

Related topics include micronutrient deficiency, soil testing, and spectroscopy.