WCPS: Ultra-high speed analysis of soil extracts using an Advanced Valve System installed on an Agilent 5110 SVDV ICP-OES

Significance of the Topic

Rapid and precise determination of micronutrients and heavy metals in soil is critical for agricultural monitoring, environmental assessment, and regulatory compliance. High-throughput analytical methods help laboratories increase sample throughput, reduce operating costs, and maintain data quality when processing large numbers of soil extracts.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study demonstrates the application of an Agilent 5110 Synchronous Vertical Dual View ICP-OES equipped with an Advanced Valve System AVS-6 and SPS-4 autosampler to achieve ultra-high speed analysis of DTPA-extracted soil samples. Key goals include minimizing sample-to-sample time, conserving argon gas, and verifying precision over extended runs.

Used Instrumentation

The analytical setup comprised:

• An Agilent 5110 SVDV ICP-OES with Vista chip II detector
• Advanced Valve System AVS-6 six-port switching valve integrated with ICP Expert software
• SPS-4 autosampler with pre-emptive rinse control
• SeaSpray nebulizer, double-pass cyclonic spray chamber, and 1.8 mm i.d. injector torch

Instrument parameters were optimized for one-second read times, single replicates, and SVDV viewing mode to balance speed and analytical performance.

Methodology

Soil samples were air-dried, ground, and extracted with a DTPA solution (0.005 M DTPA, 0.01 M CaCl2·2H2O, 0.1 M TEA, pH 7.3). Ten grams of soil were shaken with 20 mL of extractant for 120 minutes, then filtered. Multi-element calibration standards were prepared in the same extractant matrix over relevant concentration ranges for Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Zn.

Main Results and Discussion

Over 120 consecutive measurements of a DTPA soil extract:

• Average sample-to-sample time: 11.7 seconds
• Argon consumption: 3.4 liters per sample
• Precision: all elements ≤ 3.4 % RSD over the entire run

Integration of the AVS-6 valve and high-speed pump reduced uptake, stabilization, and rinse delays without sacrificing analytical precision, as evidenced by stable signal profiles and repeatability data.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This approach delivers significant advantages for high-throughput agricultural and environmental laboratories:

• Substantially lower cost per analysis due to reduced run times and gas usage
• Maintained or improved precision compared to conventional methods
• Extended consumable lifetimes through efficient sample handling

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Further developments may include integration of valve systems with robotics and laboratory information management systems for fully automated workflows. The ultra-fast valve-based approach could be extended to other challenging matrices, such as plant digests or industrial effluents, and paired with advanced data analytics for real-time process control.

Conclusion

The Agilent 5110 SVDV ICP-OES fitted with AVS-6 and SPS-4 autosampler achieves ultra-high speed analysis of DTPA soil extracts without compromising precision. This configuration delivers exceptional throughput, reduced argon consumption, and robust performance, substantially lowering cost per analysis for routine soil testing.

Reference

• Cauduro John, Kulikov Elizabeth Ultra-high speed analysis of soil extracts using an Advanced Valve System on an Agilent 5110 SVDV ICP-OES Application Note Agilent Technologies Australia Pty Ltd EWCPS17 P364