Fast Analysis of Environmental Samples using the Agilent 5110 ICP-OES and ESI prepFAST

Importance of the Topic

Rapid and reliable analysis of treated wastewater, stormwater runoff and industrial effluent is critical for environmental compliance and protection of water resources. Automated high-throughput methods minimize human error, reduce turnaround times and ensure consistent adherence to regulatory limits such as EPA Method 200.7.

Objectives and Study Overview

The study demonstrates a fully automated approach for trace element analysis of environmental samples using an Agilent 5110 ICP-OES coupled with an ESI prepFAST autodilution system. Key goals include inline calibration preparation, prescriptive and intelligent autodilution, robust interference correction and high sample throughput for matrices with dissolved and undissolved solids.

Methods and Instrumentation

• Instrumentation includes an Agilent 5110 ICP-OES with Synchronous Vertical Dual View and solid state RF generator, a double pass glass cyclonic spray chamber, 1.8 mm injector torch and PFA-ST nebulizer.
• The ESI prepFAST 2 autodilution and sample preparation system integrates directly with the ICP Expert software, enabling inline preparation of calibration standards, sample dilutions and internal standard addition.
• Operating parameters feature a 20 second read time, three replicates, 12 rpm pump speed, 80 rpm fast pump off, 12 L per min plasma flow, 1 L per min auxiliary flow and a 15 mm viewing height.
• Calibration employs a single multi element stock to cover up to four orders of magnitude via six inline dilution levels. Certified reference materials and internal standard yttrium at 5 ppm ensure accuracy.
• Interference correction is achieved through Inter Element Correction factors and automated software routines including Fast Automated Curve fitting Technique and Fitted Background Correction for complex samples.

Main Results and Discussion

• Calibration curves for magnesium and arsenic exceeded correlation coefficients of 0.9995, demonstrating reliable autocalibration from a single stock standard.
• Automated dilution extended the linear dynamic range, recovering high concentration analytes such as iron and copper without operator intervention.
• Soil and sediment CRMs diluted up to 94 fold produced accurate results for both major and trace elements in high matrix samples.
• Prescriptive autodilution corrected internal standard failure, restoring yttrium recovery and eliminating signal suppression across all analytes.
• Continuing calibration verification every ten samples over a six hour run yielded recoveries within ±10 and relative standard deviations below 1.5 for most elements.
• Matrix spike recovery tests in a drinking water CRM met EPA method limits of ±30 for all analytes after automatic dilution.
• Method detection limits were determined in compliance with EPA 200.7, achieving sub part per billion sensitivities for trace elements.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Fully automated online calibration and autodilution reduces analyst workload and eliminates manual preparation errors.
• Inline dilution minimizes chemical waste and laboratory consumable usage.
• Significant reduction in sample reruns enhances throughput and lowers operational costs.
• Automated interference correction and internal standard monitoring improve data quality and regulatory compliance.
• Rapid uptake and rinse cycles cut analysis time, argon consumption and energy use.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

As laboratories adopt more automated workflows, integration with laboratory information management systems will streamline data handling. Continued advances in software driven spectral correction and machine learning based interference management can further enhance accuracy. Expansion to additional matrices such as biosolids and industrial sludges and coupling with other sample preparation techniques will broaden application scope.

Conclusion

Combining the Agilent 5110 ICP-OES with the ESI prepFAST system provides a robust, high throughput solution for EPA Method 200.7 compliance. Automated calibration, prescriptive and intelligent dilution, and advanced interference correction deliver accurate results with reduced waste, lower costs and improved laboratory productivity.

References

• US EPA Method 200.7 Revision 5 2001
• Agilent publications on Synchronous Vertical Dual View, FACT and FBC technology