Column: Atomic Perspectives

Robert Thomas has more than 30 years of experience in trace element analysis. He is the principal of his own freelance writing and scientific consulting company, Scientific Solutions, based in Gaithersburg, MD.

Articles

For a number of elements, spectroscopic interferences can have a significant impact on the ability to achieve low detection limits in ICP-MS. We investigate the mechanisms in multi-quadrupole ICP-MS that are designed to remove these interferences.

Multi-Quadrupole ICP-MS: Pushing Limits of Detection to the Next Decimal

Recent advances in laser ablation laser ionization TOF mass spectrometry (LALI-TOF-MS) are allowing laboratories to reach required limits of quantitation for trace impurities in solid materials by direct analysis, while avoiding common limitations of other techniques.

Advances in Trace Element Solid Sample Analysis: Laser Ablation Laser Ionization TOF Mass Spectrometry (LALI-TOF-MS)

By placing a liquid particle counter in-line with an ICP-OES system it is possible to analyze wear metals and particles in lubricant samples in one run. This approach streamlines the monitoring of in-service lubricants and meets the ASTM D5185 standard. Such analyses are critical for heavy machinery maintenance.

Integrated Analysis of In-Service Lubricants for Particle Size and Count and Metal Content in a Single Sample Run

A laminar flow box for sampling is combined with a positive voltage on the skimmer cone to reduce detection limits to pg/L concentrations in ICP-MS. These improvements reduce the risk of contamination and increase the efficiency of ion sampling and focusing.

Strategies for Achieving the Lowest Possible Detection Limits in ICP-MS

A detailed look at the most critical component of an ICP-MS instrument: the interface cones

ICP-MS Interface Cones: Maintaining the Critical Interface between the Mass Spectrometer and the Plasma Discharge to Optimize Performance and Maximize Instrument Productivity

Emmett Soffey is with Agilent Technologies, Inc.

Complex isobaric and polyatomic spectral interferences can be mitigated using triple quadrupole ICP-MS (ICP-MS/MS) with a  collision–reaction cell (CRC). This configuration allows for the multielement characterization and detection of smaller nanoparticle sizes.

Rapid Multielement Nanoparticle Analysis Using Single-Particle ICP-MS/MS

Illegal artisanal gold mining using mercury amalgamation is poisoning people and the ecosystem in the Amazon rain forest. By taking the technique of direct mercury analysis to a remote, field-based laboratory, the team of Professor Luis Fernandez is measuring the extent of the contamination in a wide variety of samples, including soil, fish, air and human hair.

The Impact of Illegal Artisanal Gold Mining on the Peruvian Amazon: Benefits of Taking a Direct Mercury Analyzer into the Rain Forest to Monitor Mercury Contamination

With analytical advances, the clinical practice threshold for lead has dropped from 60 to 5 μL/dL.

The Critical Role of Atomic Spectroscopy in Understanding the Links Between Lead Toxicity and Human Disease

This study explores the possibility of measuring the metal content of crude oils using EDXRF in samples as received in both the direct and indirect excitation mode.

Measuring the Metal Content of Crude and Residual Fuel Oils by EDXRF: A Rapid, Alternative Approach to ICP-OES

A look at the implementation of the new United States Pharmacopeia (USP) chapters and the International Conference for Harmonization (ICH) guidelines for elemental impurities from an historical perspective, providing insight into the changes and considering the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as the industry embraces the new methodology.