Analysis of River Water / ICPE-9000

Importance of the Topic

Ensuring the safety of drinking and surface water requires precise detection of both major elements at ppm levels and trace contaminants at ppb levels. Recent regulatory updates in Japan expanded mandatory analyses to include arsenic, selenium, antimony and uranium. This drives demand for analytical systems with high sensitivity, wide dynamic range and robust throughput for routine monitoring and quality control.

Objectives and Study Overview

This application note presents the quantitative determination of a broad suite of elements in river and tap water using a multi-type ICPE-9000 inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometer. Certification standards JAC-0031 and JAC-0032 were analyzed alongside spiked tap water samples to assess accuracy and recovery against revised Japanese water quality criteria.

Methodology

Samples were pretreated by adding nitric acid and heating to degrade organic matrix, followed by internal standardization with yttrium at 0.5 mg/L and dilution to volume. A portion of treated tap water was spiked to perform recovery tests. Analytical conditions were optimized for each element:

• Coaxial nebulizer for major alkali and alkaline earth metals
• Hydride vapor generator for arsenic, selenium and antimony
• Ultrasonic nebulizer for remaining trace elements

Used Instrumentation

The Shimadzu ICPE-9000 was configured with the following hardware and gas flows:

• RF power 1.2 kW with coaxial torch or 1.0 kW with hydride generator torch
• Cooling gas 10 L/min, plasma gas 0.6 L/min, carrier gas 0.7 L/min
• Coaxial nebulizer, UAG-1 ultrasonic nebulizer, HVG-ICP hydride generator
• Cyclone misting chamber and mini torch with axial/radial viewing

Main Results and Discussion

Quantified concentrations matched certified reference values for both river water standards with deviations within 5 %. Spike and recovery tests in tap water yielded recoveries between 95 % and 103 %, demonstrating method accuracy. Detection limits ranged from sub-µg/L for toxic trace metals to low mg/L for major elements. Spectral profiles exhibited clear separation of emission lines, and calibration curves showed correlation coefficients near unity, confirming linear response and precision.

Benefits and Practical Applications

This multi-type ICP emission approach offers:

• Simultaneous multi-element analysis covering regulatory requirements
• High sensitivity across a broad concentration range
• Efficient sample throughput for routine water quality monitoring
• Robust spike recovery and matrix tolerance

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advancements may include integration of separation techniques for speciation analysis, automation and inline sample preparation, miniaturized plasma sources for field deployment, and machine learning algorithms for spectral deconvolution and data interpretation. These innovations will further enhance accuracy and efficiency in environmental monitoring.

Conclusion

The ICPE-9000 demonstrates robust performance for the comprehensive analysis of river and tap water under updated regulatory frameworks. Excellent accuracy, sensitivity and recovery make it a valuable tool for environmental laboratories and water utilities focused on ensuring public health.

References

• Ministerial Ordinance Concerning Water Quality Standard Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare Ordinance No 101 May 30 2003
• Method Established by Ministry of Health Labor and Welfare Based on Regulations of Ministerial Ordinance Notification No 261 July 22 2003
• Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry River Water Standards JAC 0031 and 0032