ICPMSllä

ICPMSllä denotes the use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for elemental analysis. The technique combines an inductively coupled plasma ion source with a mass spectrometer to detect and quantify trace elements in liquids or digested solids.

Principle: The sample is introduced as an aerosol into a plasma torch, where it is atomized and ionized. The produced ions are directed into the mass spectrometer, which separates them by mass-to-charge ratio and converts their abundance into a concentration signal. The method offers rapid multi-element analysis with good sensitivity and a wide dynamic range, but can be affected by spectral and matrix interferences.

Instrumentation and modes: Commercial ICP-MS instruments include quadrupole, sector-field, and time-of-flight analyzers. Many systems employ collision or reaction cells to reduce polyatomic interferences; ICP-MS/MS adds a second mass analyzer for enhanced selectivity. Detectors measure ion currents, and the instrument can often provide isotopic ratio information for geochemical and forensic applications.

Calibration and data quality: Quantification relies on external calibration with multi-element standards, sometimes aided by internal standards to correct for drift and instrument variations. Sample preparation often requires digestion with acids to bring elements into solution and stabilize the aerosol for introduction to the plasma.

Applications: ICPMSllä is widely used in environmental monitoring (trace metals in water and soils), geology and mining, food safety and nutrition, clinical and toxicology analyses, and industrial quality control. It is also employed for isotopic ratio measurements in geochemistry, archaeology, and materials science.

Advantages and limitations: The technique offers high sensitivity, broad dynamic range, and the ability to measure multiple elements simultaneously, including isotopes. Limitations include spectral interferences, matrix effects, high instrument cost, and the need for skilled operation and proper safety measures for handling acids and aerosols.