Faster, Simpler, More Accurate Semiquantitative Analysis Using the Agilent 7500cx ICP-MS

Importance of the Topic

ICP-MS-based semiquantitative elemental screening enables rapid profiling of unknown samples across a wide concentration range. It offers unique speed and sensitivity for trace element detection in environmental, industrial, and QA/QC laboratories. However, polyatomic interferences have limited its applicability in complex matrices.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates how the Agilent 7500cx ICP-MS, equipped with an Octopole Reaction System operating in helium collision mode, overcomes interference challenges. Three certified reference materials (NIST 1640 water, LGC 6010 hard drinking water, LGC 6177 landfill leachate) were screened for over 250 isotopes to assess accuracy, speed, and data integrity under a single universal collision/reaction condition.

Methodology

Tune conditions were set to robust plasma operation with no special adjustments. A single multi-element standard updated the semiquantitative response factor database. All elements were acquired using helium collision mode with kinetic energy discrimination (KED), enabling the exclusion of larger polyatomic ions while transmitting atomic ions under a uniform energy barrier. Acquisition parameters included spectrum peak hopping across m/z 2–260, 0.1 s integration time per mass, and total run time under 3 min.

Used Instrumentation

• Agilent 7500cx ICP-MS
• Octopole Reaction System (ORS) in helium collision mode
• Standard spray chamber at 2 °C, RF power 1550 W, helium flow 5 mL/min

Main Results and Discussion

All certified elements in the three reference materials were quantified within ±40% of their certified values. Key highlights include:

• NIST 1640 water: recoveries from 75% (Na, Mg) to 110% (Se).
• LGC 6010 hard water and LGC 6177 leachate: consistent results from ppb to ppm levels, spanning light and heavy matrices.
• Single-condition screening achieved full mass range semiquant in under 3 minutes, matching full quantitative precision for most elements.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The approach offers:

• Fast, simple, interference-free semiquantitative screening across diverse matrices.
• Flexibility to use strong acids (HCl, H2SO4) without new interferences.
• Improved stability for volatile elements (Ag, Hg, Sb) by HCl addition.
• Freedom to select isotopes and internal standards for optimal sensitivity and confidence.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances may include:

• Integration of automated data processing and real-time QC dashboards.
• Expansion to speciation analysis and coupling with chromatography.
• Application in pharmaceuticals, food safety, and advanced environmental monitoring.
• Development of enhanced collision cell gases and dynamic tuning for broader interference removal.

Conclusion

The Agilent 7500cx ICP-MS with ORS helium collision mode enables robust semiquantitative elemental screening by removing polyatomic interferences under a single universal condition. This method delivers rapid, accurate results across a full mass range and diverse sample types, matching full quantitative performance in a fraction of the time.