Agilent ICP-MS Journal (Issue 32/2007)

Significance of the topic

The latest developments in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry address key challenges in high-matrix sample analysis, geochronology standards, method compliance and data management. These advances expand the applicability of ICP-MS in environmental monitoring, geological dating, quality control and pharmaceutical analysis, enabling direct measurement of complex matrices, robust trace-level quantification and streamlined regulatory compliance.

Aim and overview of this issue

This newsletter issue presents a series of contributions on:

• A novel high-matrix introduction accessory to extend direct analysis of high total dissolved solids samples
• A new homogeneous zircon reference material for in-situ U-Pb dating and Hf isotope work
• An updated speciation applications handbook for hyphenated ICP-MS
• Software updates and regulatory clarifications for collision/reaction cell ICP-MS methods
• ChemStation enhancements, 21 CFR Part 11 compliant data handling and milestone celebrations

Methodology and used instrumentation

• High Matrix Introduction (HMI) accessory on the Agilent 7500cx ICP-MS implements aerosol dilution using reduced nebulizer gas and added make-up gas to maintain constant carrier flow, lowering aerosol load to the plasma.
• Laser ablation (213 nm Nd:YAG) coupled to Agilent 7500s and Nu Plasma MC-ICP-MS systems for U-Pb and Hf isotope analysis of zircon fragments.
• HPLC-ICP-MS, GC-ICP-MS and other hyphenated techniques are surveyed in the new 68-page speciation applications guide.
• ICP-MS ChemStation Rev B.03.05 supports 7500cx, helium mode semiquant factors and HMI control.
• OpenLAB Enterprise Content Manager integrates with ChemStation for audit-trail, revision control and 21 CFR Part 11 compliance.

Main results and discussion

• HMI reduces CeO/Ce ratios from 1–3% to 0.2%, virtually eliminating matrix suppression in 1% TDS seawater and up to 1% Zn metal matrices without internal standards.
• Detection limits remain comparable or slightly improved while avoiding a 10× sample dilution step, reducing contamination risk and blank contributions.
• Lower oxide levels mitigate polyatomic interferences, demonstrated by accurate Cd quantification in the presence of 2 ppm Mo and improved REE analysis in geological samples.
• GJ Red zircon exhibits consistent trace element patterns and a 206Pb/238U age of 609.7 ± 1.8 Ma by LA-ICP-MS, matching TIMS data, and Hf isotope homogeneity (176Hf/177Hf ~ 0.282307) suitable as a matrix-matched standard.
• Regulatory updates clarify that collision/reaction cell ICP-MS is acceptable for NPDES and RCRA compliance when performance criteria are met, while drinking water methods still require cell-off operation.

Benefits and practical applications

• Direct measurement of high-salt environmental, geological and industrial digests without extensive dilution or matrix matching.
• Simplified internal standard selection, reduced maintenance from cleaner plasmas and improved productivity across labs handling variable matrices.
• Readily available alternative zircon reference material for geochronology and isotope geochemistry labs worldwide.
• Comprehensive speciation handbook accelerates method development in metalloid and organic species analysis.
• Integrated software and data management solutions support method validation, regulatory compliance and enterprise-wide data sharing.

Future trends and potential applications

• Wider adoption of aerosol dilution approaches for diverse sample types including HPLC buffers and high-salt biological matrices.
• Integration of collision/reaction cell techniques under evolving regulatory frameworks to improve interference removal.
• Continued expansion of laser ablation standards for combined U-Pb, Lu-Hf and trace element workflows.
• Enhanced software automation and cloud-based data management to support remote access, advanced data analytics and secure collaboration.

Conclusion

The innovations presented in this issue significantly enhance the robustness, accuracy and efficiency of ICP-MS analysis across high-matrix samples and geochronology standards, while streamlining compliance and data handling. These developments position ICP-MS as a versatile tool for environmental, geological, industrial and pharmaceutical laboratories.

References

1. Sugiyama N, Tanoshima M, Potter D. Agilent High Matrix Introduction Accessory expands ICP-MS capabilities. Agilent ICP-MS Journal Issue 32, 2007.
2. Jackson SE, Pearson NJ, Griffin WL, Belousova EA. Application of LA-ICP-MS to in-situ U-Pb zircon chronology. Chemical Geology 211 (2004) 47–69.
3. Wiedenbeck M et al. Three natural zircon standards for U-Th-Pb, Lu-Hf, trace element and REE analyses. Geostandards Newsletter 19(1) (1995) 1–23.
4. Griffin WL, Pearson NJ, Belousova EA, Saeed A. Comment: Hf-isotope heterogeneity in standard zircon 91500. Chemical Geology (in press).
5. US EPA Method 200.8 and Method 6020A performance criteria updates.