Agilent ICP-MS Journal (June 2012 – Issue 50)

Significance of the Topic

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and related atomic spectroscopy techniques play a central role in modern analytical chemistry, enabling trace‐level element and species determinations in complex matrices. Recent advances in instrumentation, sample introduction and collision/reaction cell technology have expanded applications in environmental, food safety, cultural heritage and industrial quality assurance laboratories.

Objectives and Overview

This issue of the journal highlights eight key developments:

• Non‐destructive chemical mapping of crocodilian skin by LA-ICP-MS to assess arsenic contamination risks in museum specimens
• Four new food safety application notes covering multi‐element analysis, mercury speciation, alcohol matrices and herbal medicine testing
• A trade-in program for used Agilent platinum sampling and skimmer cones to reduce cost and recover precious metals
• Milestone shipment of the 1000th Agilent 7700 Series ICP-MS
• Opening of a new atomic spectroscopy demonstration laboratory in Waldbronn, Germany
• An on-demand webinar on the capabilities of the Agilent 8800 ICP-QQQ system
• A listing of recent ICP-MS publications, conference presentations and e-seminars

Methodology and Instrumentation

Key analytical platforms and methods presented:

• LA-ICP-MS: Agilent 7500cs coupled with New Wave UP193FX laser ablation to generate time-resolved depth profiles of As, Pb, Cl and other elements in skin fragments
• Solution ICP-MS: Agilent 7700x in He collision mode for fast, multi‐element food analysis after microwave digestion
• HPLC-ICP-MS speciation: Liquid chromatography coupled to 7700x for sub-ppt detection of methyl and inorganic mercury in under three minutes
• MP-AES: Agilent 4100 microwave plasma-AES for determination of toxic and essential elements in Chinese herbal medicines with low running costs

Main Results and Discussion

LA-ICP-MS profiling revealed a buried arsenic‐containing layer in alligator skin, likely from historical preservation, but no As was found in dwarf crocodile skin. He mode ICP-MS enabled accurate quantification of 16 elements in diverse food matrices without extensive method development. HPLC-ICP-MS speciation achieved detection limits below 20 ppt for mercury species. MP-AES matched certified values for traditional Chinese medicines with detection limits below 3 ppb. The platinum cone trade-in program offers laboratories significant cost recovery and supports sustainable recycling. The 7700 Series milestone underscores global adoption, while the new Waldbronn demo lab and ICP-QQQ webinar foster user training and application development.

Benefits and Practical Applications

These advances deliver:

• Non-destructive heritage specimen analysis ensuring public safety
• Rapid, interference-free multi-element profiling in food and beverage quality control
• High‐throughput mercury speciation for regulatory compliance
• Cost‐effective elemental screening of herbal medicines
• Reduced consumable expenses and environmental impact through cone recycling
• Enhanced user support and training via dedicated demo labs and webinars

Future Trends and Possibilities

Emerging directions include wider adoption of triple quadrupole ICP-MS for complex matrix analysis, integration of discrete sampling accessories for ultra-fast screening, growth of MP-AES in regulated industries, and digital tools leveraging AI for data interpretation. Continued development of sustainable consumables and remote e-seminars will further expand global accessibility to advanced atomic spectroscopy.

Conclusion

The latest developments in ICP-MS, LA-ICP-MS, HPLC-ICP-MS and MP-AES exemplify significant gains in sensitivity, robustness and sustainability. By combining innovative hardware, novel sample introduction techniques and user-focused support programs, laboratories can achieve safer, faster and more cost-effective elemental analysis across a wide range of applications.