Trace Metals in Water & Waste Samples Using an Agilent 7850 or 7900 ICP-MS

Significance of the Topic

Water quality has a direct influence on ecosystem and human health, driving the need for reliable monitoring of dissolved trace metals under stringent regulations such as EPA 200.8, EPA 6020A, and ISO 17294-2.

Objectives and Study Overview

This guide presents a consumable workflow and preset methods for the determination of trace elements in water and waste samples using Agilent 7850 and 7900 ICP-MS systems, ensuring compliance with major regulatory protocols.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Samples are acidified with HCl to stabilize key analytes (e.g., Hg, Ag, Mo), and turbid matrices may be filtered through 0.45 µm PTFE membranes. Nickel-plated sampling cones protect against chloride corrosion. The UHMI system dilutes high-TDS samples (up to 25 % TDS) automatically. The ORS4 collision reaction cell in helium mode removes polyatomic interferences, and half-mass correction addresses REE2+ overlaps.

Instrumentation Used

• Agilent 7850 ICP-MS with ORS4 collision cell and UHMI
• Agilent 7900 ICP-MS for extended dynamic range and lower detection limits
• ISIS3 integrated sample introduction for high-throughput discrete sampling
• ICP-MS MassHunter software with ICP Go browser interface

Key Results and Discussion

• Optimized operating parameters (RF 1550 W, spray chamber 2 °C, sample depth 10 mm, nebulizer flow 1.09 L/min)
• No-gas mode maximizes sensitivity for low-mass analytes; He mode balances sensitivity and throughput
• UHMI enables direct analysis of high-matrix samples without manual dilution
• ORS4 cell and half-mass mode effectively eliminate polyatomic and doubly-charged interferences
• Preset methods for EPA and ISO protocols reduce method development time from weeks to days

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Increased throughput (up to 400 samples/day in standard setup; higher with ISIS3)
• Automated interference control ensures data quality and compliance
• Extended sampling cone lifetime and reduced maintenance
• Turnkey solutions accelerate regulatory compliance and workflow deployment
• Remote monitoring and batch management via ICP Go

Future Trends and Opportunities

• Enhanced half-mass correction for emerging analytes and rare earth elements
• Integration with automated prep systems (prepFAST) and high-volume sampling
• Implementation of AI/machine learning for real-time QC and predictive maintenance
• Continuous online monitoring for environmental surveillance
• Development of sustainable consumables and low-volume sampling techniques

Conclusion

Agilent 7850 and 7900 ICP-MS platforms deliver robust, high-throughput, and regulatory-compliant workflows for trace metals analysis in water and waste, combining advanced interference removal, high matrix tolerance, and integrated software to accelerate laboratory productivity.

Reference

1. Fast Accurate Analysis of 28 elements in water using ISO Method 17294-2 for ICP-MS. Agilent publication 5994-2804EN
2. Soil analysis with the 7850. Agilent publication 5994-2933EN
3. Simple and Reliable Soil Analysis using the Agilent 7800 ICP-MS with ISIS 3. Agilent publication 5991-8674EN
4. High Throughput, Direct Analysis of Seawater using the Agilent 7800 ICP-MS with HMI for Aerosol Dilution. Agilent publication 5991-7936EN
5. Agilent 7900 ICP-MS simplifies drinking water analysis. Agilent publication 5991-4938EN
6. High Throughput Water Analysis using the Agilent 7900 ICP-MS coupled with ESI prepFAST. Agilent publication 5991-8148EN
7. Analysis of Trace Elements in Water Samples per ISO 17294-2. Agilent publication 5994-2803EN
8. Routine Analysis of Soil Samples using ICP-MS. Benefit from sample and operational insights with the Agilent 7850 ICP-MS. Agilent publication 5994-2828EN