Fully automated, intelligent, high-throughput elemental analysis of drinking waters using SQ-ICP-MS

Importance of the topic

Environmental monitoring of trace metals in drinking and waste water is critical for public health, regulatory compliance and quality control processes. The application of EPA Method 200.8 requires precise quantification of contaminants at trace levels, driving the need for reliable and efficient automated workflows capable of handling high sample loads with minimal manual intervention.

Objectives and study overview

• Demonstrate a fully automated, high throughput workflow for EPA Method 200.8 using Thermo Scientific iCAP RQ ICP MS in He KED mode coupled with ESI prepFAST Autodilution
• Assess system performance in terms of throughput, accuracy, precision and robustness
• Evaluate intelligent autodilution and quality control integration to optimize laboratory efficiency

Methodology and instrumentation

Samples of tap water were acidified to 1 percent v/v nitric acid and prepared following EPA Method 200.8 Revision 5.5.
The ESI prepFAST Autodilution system provided discrete sampling, automatic standard and QC solution generation and precise dilution up to 400 fold via syringe pumps.
A Thermo Scientific iCAP RQ ICP MS equipped with a PFA ST nebulizer, nickel cones, high matrix skimmer and QCell operated in helium kinetic energy discrimination mode enabled analysis of 21 target elements and six internal standards in a single method.
Data acquisition and QA QC checks were managed by Thermo Scientific Qtegra ISDS software, which automated calibration verification, quality control monitoring and intelligent reanalysis of out of range samples.

Main results and discussion

• Throughput averaged 66 seconds per sample, completing over 320 tap water samples and 508 analyses in under 10 hours
• Internal standard recoveries remained within 60 to 125 percent as required by EPA Method 200.8
• Continuing Calibration Verification samples maintained accuracy within ± 10 percent across the batch
• Laboratory Fortified Blank and Fortified Matrix recoveries fell within 85 to 115 percent and 75 to 130 percent respectively, demonstrating method integrity
• Intelligent autodilution successfully reanalyzed analytes exceeding calibration limits without manual intervention, ensuring reliable quantitation and full traceability of dilution steps

Benefits and practical applications

• Significant reduction in manual sample preparation and post run data processing
• High throughput supports large sample loads in environmental and regulatory laboratories
• Automated QC integration ensures compliance with regulatory requirements and enhances data confidence
• Lower reagent consumption and utility costs through on demand standard generation and dilution control

Future trends and possibilities

Integration of advanced automation and data analytics tools may further improve sample throughput and reduce operator involvement. Emerging software features could enable predictive maintenance and remote monitoring of instrument performance. Expanding autodilution workflows to diverse matrices and coupling with complementary techniques will broaden the application scope in environmental and industrial analysis.

Conclusion

The combined iCAP RQ ICP MS and ESI prepFAST Autodilution system delivers a robust, high throughput and fully integrated workflow for EPA Method 200.8 trace metal analysis. Automated dilution, quality control monitoring and reanalysis capabilities streamline operations, reduce costs and ensure reliable data for drinking water compliance and research applications.

Reference

EPA Method 200.8 Revision 5.5 for trace element analysis in drinking and waste water