Excellent choices for environmental applications

Importance of the topic

Environmental and analytical laboratories face growing demands to screen and quantify a broad range of analytes in complex matrices with speed, accuracy, and high throughput. Strong regulatory drivers—pesticide monitoring, RoHS/ELV heavy metal restrictions, and environmental contaminant thresholds—require instruments capable of wide dynamic range, robust matrix tolerance, and rapid data turnaround.

Objectives and study overview

This summary highlights Agilent’s integrated solutions across GC, LC, and ICP-MS platforms to meet these challenges. Key objectives include extending ICP-MS dynamic range beyond conventional GFAA/ICP-OES limits; enabling sub-minute, high-resolution LC separations; and delivering multi-signal GC analysis with retention time locking for broad-spectrum pesticide screening.

Methodology and instrumentation used

• GC/MS/ECD/FPD: 3-way microfluidic splitter on Agilent 6890 GC directs effluent to MSD (SIM/Scan), µECD, and dual-channel flame photometric detector (S/P). Deconvolution Reporting Software (DRS) plus Retention Time Locking (RTL) against a 731-compound hazard library enable rapid, selective screening in complex matrices.
• Rapid Resolution LC: Agilent 1200 Series binary pump SL (600 bar), thermostatted column compartment (–10 °C to 100 °C), diode-array detector (80 Hz), and low-dead-volume kit for 1.8 µm, 2.1 × 50 mm columns. Overlapped injection and alternating column regeneration deliver cycle times under 25 s and peak capacities >50.
• ICP-MS with ORS: Agilent 7500ce ICP-MS with integrated sample introduction system (ISIS) and Octopole Reaction System (ORS) supports helium KED mode for interference removal (Cr, Se, As, V, Fe, Ca…) and hydrogen reaction mode for high-matrix elements (Na, Mg, K, Ca), extending dynamic range downward to ppt levels and upward to high ppm in a single run.
• Virtual Internal Standards (VIS) and intelligent calibration resloping in the ChemStation streamline long-sequence, high-matrix workflows without recalibration.

Main results and discussion

• 7500ce ORS ICP-MS: >10⁹ reduction of Ar⁺ background in H₂ mode and effective KED removal of polyatomics in He mode. Achieved simultaneous measurement of trace Se, As, Hg at sub-ppb in 1% HCl/HNO₃ and 100 ppm Na, Ca at hundreds of ppm without dilution or interferences.
• ASIC Pesticide Method Translation & RTL: GC element-selective method scaled from 60 min to 6 min (10×) and 0.38 min (150×) with retention times matching within ±0.1 min. High-throughput direct injection screening of strawberry extracts identified trace pesticides and nontarget halogenates with full-scan MS and DRS confirmation.
• 1200 Series RRLC: Sub-minute separations (24 s) on 2.1 × 50 mm, 1.8 µm columns with retention time reproducibility <0.1% RSD and column life improvements via low-delta-vol. hardware. Cycle times <50 s and throughput >1700 samples/day while preserving resolution and UV/ELSD sensitivity.
• RoHS/ELV Compliance: Direct ICP-MS heavy metal screening of flame-retardant plastics achieved <1 ppb detection for Cd, Pb, Hg, and Cr in high-bromine matrices, outperforming EDXRF and eliminating false positives.

Benefits and practical application

• Replaces multiple dedicated instruments (GFAA, ICP-OES, headspace, GC-ECD) with unified platforms, reducing capital and operational costs.
• Minimizes sample prep, uses small sample volumes, and lowers waste disposal by direct analysis with ISIS and simple acid digestion.
• Ensures global method transfer and consistency through RTL, reducing maintenance downtime via on-axis ORS and quick-swap column interfaces.
• Accelerates response for regulatory compliance and large-scale screening, e.g. EU REACH, EPA methods, RoHS, ELV, and pesticide monitoring.
• Enables flexible dynamic range management: H₂ mode for >10× downward and He mode for >10× upward range extension in challenging matrices.

Future trends and potential applications

• Real-time LC/MS workflows with sub-10 s separations and high-speed TOF/HRMS for metabolomics and environmental screening.
• Integration of machine learning in DRS for automated spectral deconvolution of unknown contaminants in diverse matrices.
• Mobile and field-deployable ICP-MS with ORS for on-site hazardous material screening and environmental risk assessment.
• Multidimensional separations (GC×GC, LC×LC) with ORS-ICP-MS detection for ultra-complex sample analysis without cleanup.
• Standardization of RoHS heavy metal analysis via harmonized protocols and interlaboratory proficiency testing for global supply chain compliance.

Conclusion

Agilent’s ORS-equipped ICP-MS, rapid RRLC, and GC split-detection platforms deliver unmatched matrix tolerance, dynamic range, and throughput. These integrated solutions empower modern labs to achieve interference-free screening and quantitation across trace to major elements in a single method, ensuring regulatory compliance and operational efficiency across environmental, clinical, and industrial applications.

References

• Wilbur, S.; Soffey, E. “Real World Analysis of Trace Metals in Drinking Water Using the Agilent 7500ce ICP-MS with Enhanced ORS Technology,” Agilent esearch Note 5989-0870EN.
• Szelewski, M.; Quimby, B.D. “New Tools for Rapid Pesticide Analysis in High Matrix Samples,” Agilent Application Note 5989-1716EN.
• EPA SW-846 Methods 3052, 7196A, 8260B, and 8321B.
• IEC 62321 “Determination of specific substances in electrotechnical products (RoHS compliance).”