Analysis of Tap Water and Drinking Water by ICPMS-2030

Importance of the Topic

Safe drinking water is essential for human health and is subject to stringent regulations worldwide. Monitoring both major elements (such as sodium and calcium) at milligram-per-liter levels and trace contaminants (like arsenic and lead) at microgram-per-liter levels requires highly sensitive and versatile analytical techniques. Simultaneous multi-element analysis ensures compliance with water quality standards and supports public health initiatives.

Objectives and Study Overview

The study aimed to demonstrate the performance of the Shimadzu ICPMS-2030 inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer for the analysis of tap water from Kanagawa and Kyoto prefectures and a commercial mineral water. Specific goals included assessing detection limits, accuracy through spike-and-recovery tests, and linearity for high-concentration elements via calibration curves.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Samples of tap water and mineral water were acidified with high-purity nitric acid, heated to near boiling, then cooled and brought to volume with ultrapure water. Spike-and-recovery solutions were prepared by fortifying samples with target elements, while high-level elements underwent tenfold dilution. Calibration standards matched the sample matrix acidity and were prepared from mixed and single-element stock solutions. Internal standards (Be, Co, Ga, Y, In, Tl) were added at 5 μg/L to correct for signal drift and matrix effects.

Instrumentation

The ICPMS-2030 was operated in Eco mode with a mini-torch to reduce argon consumption. A helium collision cell minimized polyatomic interferences from species such as ArO+, ArCl+, and Ar2+. Key operating parameters included a 1.2 kW RF output, plasma gas flow of 8.0 L/min, auxiliary gas flow of 1.1 L/min, carrier gas flow of 0.7 L/min, and a sampling depth of 6.0 mm. Sample introduction used a concentric nebulizer with a cyclone spray chamber.

Main Results and Discussion

Detection limits achieved were in the low microgram-per-liter range for trace elements and below one milligram per liter for major elements. Spike-and-recovery tests in tap water yielded recoveries between 99% and 108% across all analytes, confirming accuracy in complex matrices. Calibration curves for calcium and sodium exhibited excellent linearity up to 100 mg/L and 200 mg/L respectively, with correlation coefficients of 0.9999. The helium collision cell effectively eliminated spectral overlaps, preserving sensitivity for interfered isotopes.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Simultaneous quantification of a broad concentration range enhances laboratory throughput.
• Helium collision technology and Eco mode reduce interferences and operating costs.
• High-temperature plasma and optimized sample introduction prolong detector lifespan.
• Accurate compliance testing supports regulatory monitoring of drinking water quality.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements may include multi-quadrupole ICP-MS for improved interference control, integration of hydrogen collision gases, and automated on-line monitoring systems for real-time water quality assessment. Coupling with data-analytics platforms and machine learning could further enhance detection limits and predictive maintenance.

Conclusion

The ICPMS-2030 provides a robust, cost-effective solution for comprehensive drinking water analysis, achieving low detection limits, high accuracy, and wide linear dynamic range. Its interference management capabilities and reduced argon consumption make it well suited for routine regulatory and research laboratory workflows.

References

1. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare ordinance No. 101, May 30 2003; revised No. 15, February 28 2014 (Japanese).
2. Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare notification No. 261, July 22 2003; revised No. 56, March 12 2015 (Japanese).