ICPanalyyttiset

ICPanalyyttiset refer to analytical techniques that use a high-temperature argon plasma to atomize and excite elements in a sample, enabling quantitative elemental analysis. The two main modalities are ICP-OES (optical emission spectrometry) and ICP-MS (mass spectrometry).

Working principle: In ICP-OES, emitted light from excited atoms and ions is measured at characteristic wavelengths by a spectrometer; in ICP-MS, atoms are ionized in the plasma and detected by a mass spectrometer, providing isotope-specific information and very low detection limits.

Instrumentation and workflow: The sample is introduced as an aerosol via a nebulizer into the argon plasma, reaching the plasma with tens of thousands of kelvin; the plasma is sustained by RF power. The signal is collected either by optical emission detectors (CCD or PMT) or by a mass spectrometer (quadrupole, ICP-TOF). Sample types include liquids (drinking water, digested soils) and digested solids.

Calibration and accuracy: Quantification is typically achieved using external calibration with multi-element standards, sometimes with internal standards to correct for drift and matrix effects, and, for complex matrices, standard additions. Interferences include spectral overlaps (ICP-OES) and polyatomic species or matrix effects (ICP-MS).

Applications and scope: ICPanalyyttiset are widely used for environmental monitoring, geology and mining, metallurgy, clinical analysis, food safety, and agricultural testing, offering a wide linear dynamic range and multi-element capability. Advantages include high throughput, low detection limits (especially ICP-MS) and broad applicability; limitations include instrument cost, need for skilled operation, and significant sample preparation and maintenance.