Agilent ICP-MS Journal (August 2006 – Issue 28)

Significance of the Topic

Modern ICP-MS developments bring unprecedented sensitivity and speed to trace element analysis, enabling direct monitoring of gaseous samples, rapid water quality certification, routine speciation in biological fluids, and robust data processing. Such advances drive new applications in environmental surveillance, industrial process control, and public health.

Objectives and Overview

• Implement a countercurrent gas exchanger for direct particulate analysis by Agilent 7500cs ICP-MS
• Validate a single-instrument method for major and trace elements in water at Nestlé Waters
• Enhance ICP-MS productivity with ChemStation revision B.03.03 software features
• Establish a fast, robust HPLC-ICP-MS protocol for arsenic species in urine
• Introduce an all-PFA inert sample introduction kit and PFA concentric nebulizer
• Clarify the use of collision/reaction cell technology for EPA Method 200.8 compliance

Methodology and Instrumentation

The gas analysis system integrates a porous countercurrent gas exchanger, aspirator, and pressure equalizer to transfer particulates into argon for introduction into an Agilent 7500cs ICP-MS. Nestlé Waters applied the Agilent 7500ce ORS ICP-MS for simultaneous major and trace element assays, replacing ICP-OES and GFAAS. ChemStation B.03.03 leverages multimode autotune, system-wide parameters, accelerated data handling, and batch view for enhanced workflow. Arsenic speciation employs an Agilent 1100 HPLC isocratic system coupled to a 7500ce with MicroMist nebulizer and a newly developed high-resolution column. The inert kit features o-ring-free PFA components and compatible sapphire or platinum injectors, paired with a new PFA concentric nebulizer. Collision cell performance for drinking water was assessed under EPA guidance using Agilent CRC-ICP-MS systems.

Main Results and Discussion

Direct gas introduction achieved stable sensitivity for molybdenum and tungsten standards at sample flows up to 500 mL/min and real-time detection of ambient iron particulates. Nestlé Waters secured COFRAC accreditation for 56 element determinations down to sub-ppb levels using a single ICP-MS platform. ChemStation B.03.03 reduced manual tuning time via multimode autotune and improved data visualization through integrated calibration and batch summaries. The HPLC-ICP-MS method resolved five key arsenic species in under 12 minutes with detection limits near 0.1 µg/L. The new inert kit and nebulizer showed long-term stability with minimal contamination. EPA memo clarified current restrictions on CRC use for Method 200.8 while supporting ongoing validation efforts.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Enhanced throughput and simplified workflows by consolidating multiple analyses on a single ICP-MS
• Real-time monitoring of gas-borne particulates for environmental and industrial emissions surveillance
• Rapid, compliant water certification and extended capacity for urgent or non-routine sample testing
• Reliable arsenic speciation in clinical and toxicology laboratories
• Reduced contamination and improved robustness in organic and gas sample introduction
• Progress toward officially recognized CRC-ICP-MS methods for drinking water compliance

Future Trends and Applications

Ongoing work aims to refine calibration protocols for metal-standard gases, enable real-time trace element mapping in various gas streams, and extend speciation capabilities to additional analytes. Enhanced software automation and machine-learning-driven data analysis will further accelerate method development and ensure data quality. Regulatory acceptance of CRC-ICP-MS for broader matrices will expand its use in environmental and public health monitoring.

Conclusion

Collectively, the advances presented in this issue demonstrate the transformative impact of integrated hardware and software innovations in ICP-MS. By enabling direct sample introduction, comprehensive multi-element analysis, faster tuning, and robust speciation, Agilent’s solutions empower laboratories to meet evolving analytical challenges with greater efficiency and confidence.

References

• Upgrade Products for Agilent 7500 Series ICP-MS Instruments, 5989-5172EN
• The Analysis of Carbonate Associated Sulfur by 7500ce ORS-ICP-MS, 5989-5318EN
• Determination of Ceruloplasmin in Human Serum by Immunoaffinity Chromatography and Size Exclusion Chromatography-ICP-MS, 5989-5304EN
• Ultra-Trace Analysis of Beryllium in Water and Industrial Hygiene Samples by ICP-MS, 5989-5438EN
• Ultra-Trace Analysis of Organophosphorus Chemical Warfare Agent Degradation Products by HPLC-ICP-MS, 5989-5346EN
• Achieving Optimum Throughput in ICP-MS Analysis of Environmental Samples with the Agilent 7500ce ICP-MS, 5989-5001EN
• Richardson DD, Sadi BBM, Caruso JA. Reversed Phase Ion-pairing HPLC-ICP-MS for Analysis of Organophosphorus Chemical Warfare Agent Degradation Products. J Anal At Spectrom. 2006;21:396.