ICP-MS

A geoscience research team has developed a high-resolution method using femtosecond laser ablation multi-collector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (fs-LA-MC-ICP-MS) to determine titanium isotopes in rutiles, offering valuable insights into geological processes.

A new study details the successful application of in situ LA-ICP-MS/MS Lu–Hf dating technique to Paleozoic-Precambrian xenotime, apatite and garnet. The study provides a more effective method for accurate age determination of samples with complex temporal records or lack of traditional U-rich accessory minerals.

A new study characterizes gas cell reactions for over 70 elements using nitrous oxide for ICP-MS/MS measurements, demonstrating the high versatility of nitrous oxide as a reaction cell gas for routine ICP-MS/MS measurements.

A recent study shows how the development of dynamic SBET represents an important advancement in air quality research.

Researchers have developed a method for the simultaneous determination of cadmium and lead in water samples using microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry with multiwalled carbon nanotubes pre-concentration and a discrete sample introduction system.

New research presents a fast and sensitive method for the simultaneous determination of zinc and iron in vegetables and plant material using HR-CS GF-AAS.

A new ICP-MS/MS method recently developed is an important step in detecting low levels of radioactive contamination in the environment.

A recent study highlights a new SP-ICP-MS method that can be used to detect and quantify platinum nanoparticles in road dust.

ICP-MS was used to measure 46 different elements in 37 Azobé (Lophira alata) trees at two forest sites in Cameroon to determine the multi-elemental composition of trees in an effort to combat the illegal trade of timber.

The use of ICP-MS is constantly expanding into an ever-wider variety of applications. We assess the current landscape and where the technique is going in the future.

Recently, at the 2022 SciX conference in Covington, Kentucky, Beatriz Fernandez, who is an Associate Professor at the University of Oviedo in Spain, presented, as part of the Technical Program, a discussion regarding the determination of proteins in single cells by ICP-MS using metal nanoclusters as labels of specific recognition reactions. Fernandez spoke to Spectroscopy about her presentation.

By using green synthesized AgNPs modified by chitosan and organic acid, a simple, cost-effective, and highly selective onsite colorimetric detection method for Pd2+ and Hg2+ ions was developed.

Some macrofungal species are known for their ability to accumulate high concentrations of mercury in their fruit bodies. A recent paper by Simone Braeuer and colleagues of the University of Graz (Austria) and Ghent University (Belgium) discusses an efficient method developed for quantitative mapping of mercury and selenium in mushroom fruit bodies via laser ablation coupled to inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry with excellent limits of detection and high spatial resolution (down to 5 µm). Braeuer spoke to Spectroscopy about this paper.

Lithium-based batteries are key for moving away from the combustion of fossil fuels at the point of use. ICP-OES and ICP-MS methods can measure trace-element impurities that may affect battery performance.

ICP-MS is increasingly being used to analyze complex matrices, but an ICP-MS instrument optimized for the highest sensitivity may not have the sufficient matrix tolerance to analyze high-salt samples. We describe a method to optimize plasma robustness and interference control for accurate, routine analysis of critical trace elements in undiluted seawater.

This tutorial explains the most critical components of the sample introduction system of modern ICP-optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and ICP-mass spectrometry (MS) instruments, providing analysts with a guide for initial configuration settings and recommended maintenance intervals for reliable daily operation.

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instruments can perform low-level elemental analysis in a wide range of sample types, from high-purity chemicals to high matrix digests. But achieving consistently low detection limits requires good control of elemental contamination, as well as spectral interferences. A clean working area, careful selection of reagents, and good sample handling techniques are key to successful trace and ultratrace elemental analysis. In this article, we provide five practical tips for controlling contaminants and minimizing detection limits.

In this study, X-ray fluorescence (XRF) spectroscopy was used to analyze heavy metals in five traditional Mongolian medicines, and the results were compared to those obtained using ICP-MS.

A letter to the editors of Spectroscopy regarding the "H-Classic Papers in Atomic Spectroscopy" article published in the November 2021 issue, along with a response from the authors.

A note from the editors of Spectroscopy regarding the "H-Classic Papers in Atomic Spectroscopy" article published in the November 2021 issue.

Software tools for ICP-MS and ICP-OES can help analysts to simplify method setup and reduce the potential for errors.

Laser ablation laser ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (LALI-TOF-MS) can quantify elemental constituents without the need for matrix-matching, making it attractive for metals testing, particularly for additive manufacturing.

Method development for ICP-MS/MS should not be difficult. The six steps here will guide you to success.

Donald J. Douglas has won the 2022 Winter Conference Lifetime Achievement Award in Plasma Spectroscopy. Douglas will receive the award, presented by Thermo Fisher Scientific, on Monday, January 17, at the Winter Conference on Plasma Spectrochemistry in Tuscon, Arizona.

Denise M. Mitrano is an Assistant Professor of Environmental Chemistry of Anthropogenic Materials at ETH Zurich in the Department of Environmental Systems Science. Her research is directed to understanding the impact and interaction of nanoparticles in the environment using atomic spectroscopy techniques, such as inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and single-particle ICP-MS (sp-ICP-MS). She is the winner of the 2022 Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award. Chosen by an independent committee, the Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award recognizes the achievements and aspirations of a talented young atomic spectroscopist who has made strides early in his or her career toward the advancement of atomic spectroscopy techniques and applications. We recently interviewed Mitrano about her work.

Denise M. Mitrano of ETH Zurich, the 2022 winner of the Emerging Leader in Atomic Spectroscopy Award, is applying ICP-MS and single-particle ICP-MS to elucidate the transport and impact of nanomaterials and nano- and microplastics.

How to create trouble-free sample preparation workflow for elemental analysis.

A tutorial and spreadsheet for the validation and bottom-up uncertainty evaluation of quantifications performed by instrumental methods of analysis based on linear weighted calibrations were presented by Ricardo J.N. Bettencourt da Silva of the University of Lisbon in Lisbon, Portugal, and colleagues. This software tool was successfully applied to the determination of the mass concentration of Cd, Pb, As, Hg, Co, V, and Ni in a nasal spray by ICP-MS after samples dilution and acidification. Bettencourt da Silva spoke to Spectroscopy about applying this software tool and the implications for a better understanding of quantitative analytical results.

How can you assess real-world detection capability of an ICP-MS system?

A tutorial and spreadsheet for the validation and uncertainty evaluation for ICP-MS analysis was successfully applied to determine multiple elements in a nasal spray.