Agilent Technologies

Articles by Agilent Technologies

In this summary, we will discuss how triple-quadrupole ICP-MS resolves interferences and improves accuracy for difficult elements and challenging applications. We will illustrate this with examples from a variety of applications. We will also present the new Agilent 8900 ICP-QQQ, which provides increased sensitivity, even lower detection limits, and hardware developments that provide greater flexibility to address emerging applications.

ICP-MS is widely used for the multielement analysis of trace metals in drinking waters. The newly designed 7800 ICP-MS accurately measured drinking waters for all required elements at regulated levels, without the need for either reactive cell gases or complex interference equations. Using helium collision mode, selenium detection limits less than 20 parts per trillion (ppt) are now routinely achievable.

Characterization of nanoparticles (NPs), including samples containing different sized NPs is described using ICP-MS. New integrated data analysis software is capable of quickly and automatically performing the complex calculations required for the analysis of single particles, while permitting simple, visual optimization and validation of results. The method provides a combination of particle size distribution and sample concentration information that is generally not available with other techniques.

Trace toxic and major nutrient elements were measured in a single measurement in a milk powder SRM, with no ionization buffers, using a synchronous dual view ICP-OES. The methodology was in accordance with Chinese method GB 5413.21 for raw milk and dairy products. Excellent recoveries were achieved for all elements determined in the SRM, demonstrating the accuracy of the method over a large dynamic range.

A routine method for the analysis of major, minor and trace elements in a certified channel sludge reference material according to EPA method 6010C is described. Excellent recoveries were obtained for the 31 elements analyzed using an ICP-OES operating in synchronous dual view mode. A switching valve system was used to achieve a sample-to-sample analysis time of 60 seconds and argon consumption of 19 L per sample.

A challenging 15 hour sequence of high matrix soils, waters, seawaters and sediments was analyzed according to US EPA Method 6020A using a new ICP-MS designed for routine applications. With a single collision cell mode for polyatomic interference removal and superior matrix tolerance with an aerosol dilution system, excellent recovery of certified values for six SRMs with no quality control failures throughout the sequence was achieved.

The productivity demands of environmental labs working to EPA methodology such as 200.7 for the determination of metals and trace elements in water, solids and biosolids are met using synchronous dual view ICP-OES. The instrumentation achieves an excellent sample-to-sample cycle time of 58 seconds. This enables more samples to be measured each day and reduces argon consumption per sample by 50% per sample.

A fast and sensitive method using hydride generation (HG) with ICP-MS has been developed for the separation and detection of toxic inorganic arsenic (iAs) in foodstuffs. The iAs measured values in 31 commercial rice products all fell below the current legislative maximum level of 150 µg/kg set by China. Comparing the results obtained by HG-ICP-MS and HPLC-ICP-MS showed comparable limits of detection were achieved.