Looking Beyond the Polymer: Using Thermal Desorption GC/MS to Expand Our Understanding of Microplastics – by Jan Peter Mayser, Markes

Single cell ICP-MS (scICP-MS) is increasingly seen as a powerful and fast tool for the measurement of elements in individual cells, mainly due to the high sensitivity and selectivity of ICP-MS. Analysis is performed in the same way as single nanoparticle (spICP-MS) analysis, which has become a well-established technique for the analysis of nanoparticles and particles.

Watch this video featuring Darren Robey and Dr. Wesam Alwan from Agilent Technologies to gain insights into the future trends shaping microplastics research and the challenges of their characterization. Discover the essential components necessary for accurate microplastics analysis and learn how the Agilent 8700 LDIR system addresses these challenges. Offering rapid and precise analysis capabilities, along with easy sample preparation methods that minimize contamination, the Agilent 8700 LDIR system is at the forefront of advancing microplastics research.

This application note discusses how the adverse effects of sample matrix can be circumvented with an analytical workflow that includes robust ICP-MS instrumentation offering comprehensive yet simplified analysis of samples containing high dissolved solids such as soil digests, wastewater and solid wastes. The data presented in this application note was generated over 12 hours with over 160 samples covering soil extracts and a variety of water samples.

Comprehensive guide containing best practices, proven strategies, and solutions for the entire trace elemental analysis workflow, starting with an introduction to environmental analysis, getting started with ICP-MS, and then workflow topics: sample and standard preparations, instrument calibration strategies, pre-analysis inspections, instrument optimization, data analysis and troubleshooting, and general maintenance. The guide emphasizes the importance of streamlining workflow to obtain accurate, reliable results. It’s an all-encompassing practical resource guide that also include links to pages online for the recommended laboratory apparatus, reagents, and standard solutions for convenience of the reader. The eBook has a related resource section with a curated list of relevant education resources such as app notes, technical notes, product brochures, and links to our environmental learning center pages.

This application note describes the analytical workflow developed for the analysis of water samples over an extended period using the latest innovations in ICP-MS instrumentation. The innovations specifically highlighted in this app note are the next generation Argon Gas Dilution accessory, which simplifies the analysis of high matrix samples allowing direct analysis without prior manual diution; the HAWK consumables and maintenance assistant within the Qtegra ISDS software; the new Easy-click compact (ECC) peristaltic pump; and the new Thermo Scientific autosampler, the iSC-65 autosampler.

This application note details the analysis of various brine solutions, containing up to 25% w/w dissolved salt, using robust ICP-MS instrumentation operated with the next generation Argon Gas Dilution (AGD) accessory. These high matrix samples were analyzed directly, without manual dilution, eliminating error prone and time- consuming preparation and handling steps. The developed method was rigorously tested for performance and reliability demonstrated through excellent quality control, matrix spike and internal standard recoveries for an analysis of 120 samples of 2.5% w/w brine solution.