INDUCTIVELY COUPLE PLASMA MASS SPECTROMETRY. Research Technical Services

INDUCTIVELY COUPLE PLASMA MASS SPECTROMETRY

In the Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), a large amount of elements of the periodic table can be quantified at trace and ultratrace concentration levels.

The liquid sample is transported through the tubing connections with a peristaltic pump. When the liquid reaches the nebulizer system it becomes an aerosol thanks to the action of gas argon. The aerosol is conducted to ionization zone that consists in a plasma generated when subjecting a flow of gas argon to the action of an oscillating magnetic field induced by a current of high frequency. Inside the plasma temperature reaches to 8000ºK. Inside the plasma, atoms of the sample are excited and ionized.

The ions are transported inside the cuadrupolar analyzer through an increasing vacuum interface. Then ions are separated by its charge/mass ratio. The ions arrive to the detector and the abundance in the sample is evaluated.

Applications

An ICP-MS device can detect and quantify the majority of the elements of the periodic table, being able to analyze a wide range of samples.

Agriculture and foods

Determination of metals and contaminants in soils, pesticides, vegetal matters, foods, etc.

Clinical analysis

Determination of toxic elements in urine, blood, animal tissue, breast milk.

Geology

Analysis of rare earths in sediments and rocks to determine its origin.

Evaluation of the pollution of soils.

Analysis of isotopic alterations of some elements

Waters

Determination of metals in continental water, drinking water, waste water and sea water.

It has also the possibility to carry out semiquantitative determinations without the need of any standard. The instrument can make a scanning in all the range of masses providing information about all the elements of the periodic table

Equipment

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Thermo Elemental. VG PQ Excell

Accessories and gases

The instrument have an autosampler for the automatic introduction of the samples.

Argon is used as the main gas for all the applications, and oxygen in the case of organic matrixes.

Mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) inductive coupling plasma, model mark Agilent 7700x. This team provides the possibility of introducing samples directly with high content of dissolved solids such as sea water, without prior dilution as a novelty. This is achieved through the HMI (high matrix introduction) device which dilutes the aerosol by gas argon before reaching the interface, thus avoiding the problems of obstruction.

ICP-mass

Co-financed by 80% by funds of the P.O. ERDF 2007 / 2013 from Comunitat Valenciana and by 20% by the Generalitat Valenciana

Sample requirements

Samples have to deliver properly labelled, packed and conditioned to ensure his identification, integrity and conservation during the transport and guarantee the security of the personnel that realises it
The samples will be provided preferably in aqueous solution, aciduladas 2%, well covered and filtered to 0 with HNO3. 45µm.
Samples containing hydrofluoric acid, which is may damage internal parts of the equipment will not be accepted.
When required the analysis of samples with an array of different from the mentioned should be given in the form of @LIMS. The head of the team will decide if the analysis is carried out or not.
The form @LIMS shall show as much data as possible concerning the sample (matrix different from HNO3 2%, high concentration of any element or compound that might interfere in the analysis, extreme pH and high content of dissolved solids, etc.)
Samples to be analyzed will be delivered in tubes of 5ml numbered correlatively, avoiding complicated nomenclatures that can lead to confusion. These tubes are available in the welcome sample point.

An ICP-OES device can detect and quantify the majority of the elements of the periodic table, being able to analyze a wide range of samples.

· Agriculture and foods

Determination of metals and contaminants in soils, pesticides, vegetal matters, foods, etc.

· Clinical analysis

Determination of toxic elements in urine, blood, animal tissue, breast milk.

· Geology

Analysis of rare earths in sediments and rocks to determine its origin.

Evaluation of the pollution of soils.

Analysis of isotopic alterations of some elements

· Waters

Determination of metals in continental water, drinking water, waste water and sea water.

INDUCTIVELY COUPLE PLASMA MASS SPECTROMETRY Research Technical Services

Research Technical Services