Topic

Articles

A new ICP-MS/MS method recently developed is an important step in detecting low levels of radioactive contamination in the environment.

New ICP-MS/MS Method Developed to Detect Low Levels of Radioactive Contamination in the Environment

A recent study highlights a new SP-ICP-MS method that can be used to detect and quantify platinum nanoparticles in road dust. 

New Method for Quantitative Analysis and Characterization of Platinum Nanoparticles in Road Dust

ICP-MS was used to measure 46 different elements in 37 Azobé (Lophira alata) trees at two forest sites in Cameroon to determine the multi-elemental composition of trees in an effort to combat the illegal trade of timber.

Clay and Soil Organic Matter Drive Wood Multi-Elemental Composition of a Tropical Tree Species: Implications for Timber Tracing

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.

The use of ICP-MS is constantly expanding into an ever-wider variety of applications. We assess the current landscape and where the technique is going in the future.

40 Years Old and Still Solving Problems: Evolution of the ICP-MS Application Landscape

Recently, at the 2022 SciX conference in Covington, Kentucky, Beatriz Fernandez, who is an Associate Professor at the University of Oviedo in Spain, presented, as part of the Technical Program, a discussion regarding the determination of proteins in single cells by ICP-MS using metal nanoclusters as labels of specific recognition reactions. Fernandez spoke to Spectroscopy about her presentation. 

Determination of Proteins in Single Cells by Inductively Coupled Plasma–Mass Spectrometry Using Metal Nanoclusters as Labels of Specific-Recognition Reactions

By using green synthesized AgNPs modified by chitosan and organic acid, a simple, cost-effective, and highly selective onsite colorimetric detection method for Pd2+ and Hg2+ ions was developed.

Colorimetric Discrimination of Pd2+ and Hg2+ Ions in Solvent and Solid-Film State Using Organic Acid-Assisted Green Synthesized Silver Nanoparticles

Some macrofungal species are known for their ability to accumulate high concentrations of mercury in their fruit bodies. A recent paper by Simone Braeuer and colleagues of the University of Graz (Austria) and Ghent University (Belgium) discusses an efficient method developed for quantitative mapping of mercury and selenium in mushroom fruit bodies via laser ablation coupled to inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry with excellent limits of detection and high spatial resolution (down to 5 µm). Braeuer spoke to Spectroscopy about this paper. 

Quantitative Mapping of Mercury and Selenium in Mushroom Fruit Bodies with Laser Ablation–Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry  

Lithium-based batteries are key for moving away from the combustion of fossil fuels at the point of use. ICP-OES and ICP-MS methods can measure trace-element impurities that may affect battery performance.

Analysis of Trace Elements as Impurities in Materials Used for Lithium-Ion Battery Production

ICP-MS is increasingly being used to analyze complex matrices,
but an ICP-MS instrument optimized for the highest sensitivity may
not have the sufficient matrix tolerance to analyze high-salt samples. We describe a method to optimize plasma robustness and interference control for accurate, routine analysis of critical trace elements in undiluted seawater.

ICP-MS Configuration and Optimization for Successful Routine Analysis of Undiluted Seawater

This tutorial explains the most critical components of the sample introduction system of modern ICP-optical emission spectroscopy (OES) and ICP-mass spectrometry (MS) instruments, providing analysts with a guide for initial configuration settings and recommended maintenance intervals for reliable daily operation.