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ICP MS

Agilent 7850 Single & 8900 Tandem ICP-MS

Both ICP-MS and ICP-MS/MS provide a good overview of the elemental composition of solutes within an aqueous or organic sample with ultra-trace sensitivity and excellent analytical resolution – the instrumentation we use has a linearity of 9 orders of magnitude. For speciation analysis, ion chromatograph systems can be used in conjunction to enable quantification sequentially using time-resolved data aquisition on the ICP-MS.

ICP-OES
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How does ICP-MS/MS work?

First, the argon plasma ionises the sample, converting atoms into ions. These ions are filtered by the first quadrupole to select a specific mass-to-charge ratio. Next, within the reaction cell, ions are reacted with a gas such as oxygen before being mass separated again in the second quadrupole and then sent to the detector. This differs from a normal ICP-MS in that it has tandem quadrupoles for extra selectivity.

What elements can be detected using ICP-MS/MS?

ICP-MS can detect most elements in the periodic table, typically ranging from lithium to uranium. It is highly effective for trace elements, including metals, metalloids, and some non-metals. This technique can also isotopes of the same element, making it valuable for isotope ratio analysis. Its ability to resolve interferences ensures reliable detection even for elements with complex spectra, such as arsenic or and selenium. It can also be used for speciation analysis when coupled to an ion chromatograph, including chromium (Cr (III) and Cr (VI)) and arsenic (As (III) and As (V)).

How can inferences be overcome using ICP-MS?

When measuring analytes in complex isobaric matrices, ICP-MS/MS provides the additional level of selectivity required. Using the reaction cell, the interfering matrix is reacted with gas, enabling on-mass measurement of the analyte. Alternatively, depending on the chemistries of the analyte and matrix, it may be possible to react the analyte with the reagent gas enabling a mass shift measurement of the analyte’s respective oxide.

What types of samples are appropriate for ICP-MS?

Samples can include ground water, river water, and process water, plus solids such as soils and sludges.  When sampling it is important the sample is stabilised in an appropriate contaminant-free container and processed as soon as possible, we then acidify and filter aqueous samples for analysis of dissolved cations. If total digestion is required we employ a variety of acid digestion techniques using hot plate and microwave digestion. All sample preparation and extraction techniques are assessed for recoveries and we matrix match our standards where it is practicable.