Agilent ICP-MS Journal (September 2010 – Issue 43)

Significance of the Topic

The integration of Agilent and Varian’s atomic spectrometry portfolios marks a pivotal moment in elemental analysis. By combining leading GC, LC, ICP-MS, ICP-OES and AAS technologies, laboratories gain unprecedented flexibility, sensitivity and matrix tolerance across diverse fields such as environmental monitoring, materials science and quality control.

Objectives and Study Overview

This issue profiles three key developments: the expanded Agilent/Varian instrument range for atomic spectroscopy; the new 7700e ICP-MS with updated MassHunter software; and an application of HPLC-ICP-MS for quantifying brominated flame retardants (BFRs) in plastics. It also highlights user recognition, support resources and upcoming events.

Methodology and Instrumentation

• Atomic Spectrometry Line-up: Includes Varian flame AAS (AA240 FS, AA280 FS), graphite-furnace AAS with Zeeman background correction, Varian 700-ES ICP-OES models (axial and radial), and Agilent 7700 Series ICP-MS (7700e, 7700x, 7700s) featuring ORS3 collision/reaction cell and high-matrix introduction.
• ICP-MS MassHunter Revision: New graphical interface with Core and Full versions, Startup, Hardware, Batch and Queue modules, integrated Data Analysis with Quick Scan capability.
• HPLC-ICP-MS for BFRs: Accelerated solvent extraction of plastic reference material (ERM-EC591) with toluene, separation on phenyl-hexyl HPLC column, detection by Agilent 7500ce ICP-MS under optimized spray-chamber and RF conditions.

Key Results and Discussion

The combined Agilent/Varian portfolio offers complementary techniques for trace to percent-level elements in complex matrices. The 7700e MassHunter upgrade simplifies routine workflows and ensures consistent performance. In the BFR study, HPLC-ICP-MS achieved total bromine recovery (102% ±2.5%) and individual congener quantification (recoveries 93–106%), demonstrating accuracy and robustness.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Streamlined instrument control and automated performance checks reduce downtime and operator variability.
• Enhanced matrix tolerance and interference removal expand sample scope across environmental, pharmaceutical and semiconductor industries.
• HPLC-ICP-MS provides a reliable alternative to GC-MS for thermally labile and high-bromine compounds.

Future Trends and Potential Uses

Advances in collision/reaction cell chemistry, high-throughput autosamplers and software-driven automation will further elevate sensitivity and productivity. The combined Agilent/Varian suite may evolve toward integrated multi-technique platforms with unified data analysis, enabling broader speciation, screening and imaging applications.

Conclusion

This issue demonstrates how the Agilent-Varian merger and ongoing software innovations strengthen the capabilities of atomic spectrometry, offering users a versatile, high-performance toolkit for routine and demanding analyses.

Reference

1. Commission Decision 2005/618/EC on restriction levels for PBDEs and PBBs in plastics.
2. Entwisle J., Goenaga-Infante H. “Determination of Brominated Flame Retardants in Plastic by HPLC-ICP-MS”, Agilent ICP-MS Journal, Issue 43, Sept. 2010.