Direct Seawater Analysis By High-Resolution ICP-MS Provides Insights Into Toxic Metal Accumulation In Marine Sediments

Abstract

In this study, new insights into the contamination of marine ecosystems are provided by the simultaneous analysis of concurrently collected bottom seawater and upper sediment layer samples with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Precise and interference-free quantification of the trace levels of selected heavy metals in seawater diluted 100 times was directly obtained by high-resolution ICP-MS, with the recovery (from 94 to 109% against the certified reference material CASS-6), repeatability (3-5%), intermediate precision (averaging 6.5%), and limits of detection (0.002-0.3 µg L -1 ) being systematically assessed. The same metal contaminants accumulated in the surface sediments were determined -after sample digestion prior to measurements -by quadrupole ICP-MS using a previously optimized and validated protocol. Both sets of metal concentration data expressed as a function of distance from the coast show a decline, followed by a flattening where the transfer of insoluble material and the associated metal fluxes carried by the river watercourse tend to end an action. This occurrence was confirmed by quantifying the natural seawater constituents, such as potassium and lithium, whose concentrations remained constant after the distance of 250 km from the estuary due to a reduced dilution by freshwater.

Analysis of Engineered Nanoparticles in Seawater Using ICP-MS-Based Technology: From Negative to Positive Samples

“…The internal standard 115 In was analyzed to correct for non-spectral interferences during analysis. As was shown in our previous research [ 16 ], under the mentioned conditions, the isotopes of the ENP-constituting metals can be monitored in seawater without spectral interferences. This is particularly important in the case of titanium, whose signal cannot be fully released from the interference of Ca when using quadrupole-based ICP-MS [ 7 ].…”

“…Concentrations measured in the samples taken at a noticeable, two kilometer distance from the coastline are in most cases lower than the seashore concentrations, though they are still not free from contamination from different industrial or natural sources. This follows from a comparison with the data for distant open-sea water sampled far from natural or anthropogenic influences (e.g., 0.020 and 0.012 µg L for Cd and Pb, respectively [ 16 ]).…”

“…Individual seawater samples were first taken for total metal analysis carried out after a 10-fold dilution with 3% HNO 3 (as validated in [ 16 ]). Then the undiluted samples were vortexed for 5 min, and aliquots were filtrated through the filters with a 3 kDa cut-off for 15 min at 10,000 rcf (Sigma 1–14k, Sigma Laborzentrifugen GmbH, Osterode am Harz, Germany) to separate the nanosized fraction of the particulate matter.…”

Multiplex DNA Walking Machines for Lung Cancer-Associated miRNAs

“…Without the limitations of spectral overlap and scattering background, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICPMS) is regarded as an ideal tool for multiplex and accurate bioassay, thanks to its high accuracy, high resolution, and multiple detection capabilities. − In the past few years, it has been proverbially applied in the detection of nucleic acids, proteins, and small molecules. − Nolan’s group and Tanner’s group developed a method based on flow cytometry and mass spectrometry (mass cytometer) that can simultaneously quantify various proteins and mRNAs in single cells . Zhang’s group successfully quantified 15 disease-related DNA targets via 15 rare-earth element-labeled reporter probes and ICPMS detection strategies …”

Development of a fully automatic separation system coupled with online ICP-MS for measuring rare earth elements in seawater

“…Owing to its high sensitivity, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is widely used to determine trace elements in various matrices. 13–28 However, this technique is not easily applicable to a high-salt matrix ( i.e. , 3.5% NaCl) because of polyatomic mass spectral interferences, instrumental drift, signal suppression, and clogging of the sample introduction system.…”