Environmental analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

This article reviews the numerous ways in which inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry has been used for the analysis of environmental samples since it was commercially introduced in 1983. Its multielemental isotopic capability, high sensitivity and wide linear dynamic range makes it ideally suited for environmental analysis. Provided that some care is taken during sample preparation and that appropriate calibration strategies are used to circumvent non-spectroscopic interferences, the technique is readily applicable to the analysis of a wide variety of environmental samples (natural waters, soils, rocks, sediments, vegetation, etc.), using quadrupole, time-of-flight or double-focusing sector-field mass spectrometers. In cases where spectroscopic interferences arising from the sample matrix cannot be resolved, then separation methods can be implemented either on-or off-line, which can simultaneously allow analyte preconcentration, thus further decreasing the already low detection limits that are achievable. In most cases, the blank, prepared by following the same steps as for the sample but without the sample, limits the ultimate detection limits that can be reached.

Methodologies and approaches for the analysis of cell–nanoparticle interactions

“…The second challenge is the optimization of transport efficiency of the sample which in current settings is typically low (6-10%). Additional issues include discarding of droplets carrying cells into the waste, 117 and incomplete atomization and ionization of the cells in the plasma. These issues are at least partly overcome in an instrument that is also based on the introduction of single cells to plasma but in which the detection is carried out in TOF-MS mode.…”

A comparative study of sheathing devices to increase robustness in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometryviaa nitrogen flow

“…plasma robustness, is a key parameter in inductively coupled plasma (ICP) spectrometry to ensure adequate sample desolvation, vaporisation, atomisation and ionisation in ICP mass spectrometry (MS), as well as excitation of atoms and ions in ICP optical emission spectrometry (OES). [1][2][3][4][5] Even though it is well accepted that high applied radiofrequency (RF) power, low nebuliser gas ow rate and use of a wider bore injector lead to robust conditions, common negative side effects of such conditions include increased icker noise, loss of sensitivity or excessive analyte diffusion in the central channel of the ICP. [6][7][8][9] Plasma robustness can also be improved by adding a foreign molecular gas to the Ar ICP ow, [10][11][12][13] or as a sheathing gas around the aerosol carrier gas ow, 14 to increase energy transfer through a modication of the fundamental properties of the ICP.…”

Quantitative aspects of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

“…It is very useful in a large number of applications [5][6][7][8] namely (i) pure substances (either essentially pure chemicals or well-characterized substances containing trace amounts of impurities); (ii) standard solutions and gas mixtures prepared from precursory pure substances; (iii) matrix reference materials (mimicking the chemical composition of the investigated objects). It should also be noted that the measurement methods are often standardized: the operational standards are defined by an exact procedure.…”

“…ICP-MS is a technique that enables measurements of elements and their isotopes over a very wide dynamic range. It is very useful in a large number of applications [5][6][7][8]. ICP-MS is a comparative technique: it requires a set of well-defined standards and/or reference materials for accurate calibration.…”