Analysis of Drinking Water by U.S. EPA Method 200.8 Using ICPMS-2050 with Collision/Reaction Cell

Significance of the Topic

Ensuring the safety of drinking water through sensitive and accurate trace element analysis is central to public health monitoring and regulatory compliance. The US EPA Method 200.8 provides a standardized procedure for quantifying elements at ultra-low concentrations.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluates the performance of the Shimadzu ICPMS-2050 equipped with a collision/reaction cell and a mini-torch for drinking water analysis according to EPA Method 200.8. Key goals include assessing accuracy, stability, detection limits, and operational efficiency.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Samples comprised certified reference water and municipal drinking water spiked at multiple concentration levels. Calibration standards covered a broad range of elements. Collision mode with helium gas was applied to most analytes to remove polyatomic interferences, while hydrogen reaction mode was used for selenium to maximize sensitivity. An internal standard mix was introduced online according to EPA guidelines.

• Instrument: Shimadzu ICPMS-2050
• Collision/Reaction Cell: Helium for collision, hydrogen for reaction
• Torch: Mini-torch for reduced argon consumption
• Autosampler: AS-20 with online internal standard kit

Main Results and Discussion

The method achieved instrument detection limits in the low ng/L range for most elements. Certified reference material recoveries ranged from 98 to 107 %, satisfying EPA quality control requirements. Spike recoveries in drinking water fell between 94 and 107 %. Long-term stability tests over seven hours maintained CCV recoveries within 90–110 % and internal standard recoveries within 60–125 %, demonstrating robust performance.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High sensitivity and accuracy across a wide array of trace elements
• Stable performance during extended analytical sequences
• Reduced argon gas consumption and operational costs via mini-torch design
• Preset method templates streamline routine operation and reduce method development time

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances in collision/reaction cell technology and further miniaturization of plasma sources are expected to improve throughput and lower consumable demands. Integration with automated sample delivery systems and real-time data analytics platforms will support continuous water quality monitoring and rapid response to contamination events.

Conclusion

The Shimadzu ICPMS-2050, when paired with EPA Method 200.8, delivers reliable quantification of trace elements in drinking water with excellent accuracy, stability, and cost efficiency. The combination of preset methods, online internal standards, and reduced gas consumption enhances laboratory productivity and quality assurance.

Reference

EPA Method 200.8 Determination of Trace Elements in Waters and Wastes by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry Revision 5.4