Special Issues-11-01-2015

Titanium (Ti) is used in lightweight alloys, catalysts, cutting and grinding tools, and medical implants. Most Ti is refined into the white pigment titanium dioxide (TiO2), used in paint, paper, plastics and food, and in consumer products such as toothpaste and sunscreens. TiO2 is considered inert and safe, but TiO2 nanoparticles are much more reactive and bioavailable, so they may have adverse effects on human health and the environment. There is a need for analytical techniques and methods for accurate, low level analysis of Ti in environmental samples, biological tissues, and other samples. This application is difficult for conventional quadrupole ICP-MS because of the presence of matrix-based spectral interferences on the isotopes of Ti. In this paper, we show how the interferences can be removed using tandem ICP-MS (ICP-MS-MS). This allows sub-ng/L (ppt) detection limits to be achieved, and ensures that accuracy is maintained in the presence of complex sample matrices

Efficient and accurate measurement of mercury concentration is a challenge. A direct sample preparation method for reliable ICP-OES mercury measurement would be invaluable to chemical manufacturers, testing laboratories, and other industries. Historically, ICP-OES Hg measurements have been plagued by poor Hg detection limits, severe carryover effects, and sample instability. In this study, we present a method of sample preparation for ICP-OES mercury analysis in various reagent chemical compounds. This sample preparation method is straightforward and direct, allowing mercury analysis in a variety of reagent chemicals without digestion.

This paper describes the analysis of edible oils radial view ICP-OES. Information is provided regarding the most suitable wavelengths, background correction, and integration times. Results of a detection limit study are presented. The accuracy of the analytical method is validated using soybean, olive, and corn oil matrices.

Matrix effects-changes in analyte sensitivity induced by a high concentration of matrix elements-can reduce accuracy in inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). It has long been accepted, since the 1987 publication of a study by Tan and Horlick (1), that matrix effects are more severe for light analyte ions in the presence of heavy matrix ions. However, new studies by Shi Jiao and John Olesik in the Trace Element Research Laboratory (TERL) at The Ohio State University (Columbus, Ohio), carried out using current ICP-MS instruments, show that matrix effects are not strongly dependent on analyte ion mass. These study results have implications for understanding the fundamental causes of matrix effects in ICP-MS, and for the choice of internal standards. Jiao and Olesik spoke to Spectroscopy about this work.

Click the title above to open the Spectroscopy November 2015 Applications of ICP & ICP-MS Supplement, Vol 30 No s11, in an interactive PDF format.