Agilent ICP-MS Journal (January 2013 – Issue 52)

Importance of the Topic

ICP-MS and laser ablation ICP-MS are cornerstone techniques for ultra-trace elemental and isotopic analysis across environmental, industrial, geochemical, and life science applications. Recent demands for sub-ppt and ppq detection, interference removal, and high-resolution spatial mapping place new requirements on instrumentation and data workflows.

Study Objectives and Overview

This Agilent ICP-MS Journal Issue 52 presents major updates to MassHunter software for Agilent 7700 Series and 8800 Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS, a user profile on the University of Tasmania’s LA-ICP-MS facility, an application note on ultratrace calcium measurement in ultra-pure water, and reports on user workshops and community events showcasing ICP-QQQ adoption.

Methodology and Instrumentation used

The issue details a broad suite of analytical platforms and methods:

• Agilent 7700 Series ICP-MS and 8800 ICP-QQQ with MassHunter G7201B rev. B.01.02 software, featuring MS/MS, fast time-resolved analysis (TRA), User Tune mode, and OpenLAB/SDA integration.
• Laser ablation microprobes: Resonetics RESOlution S-155, NewWave UP213 and UP193ss with in-house constant geometry cells for quantitative mapping.
• Sample introduction: quartz torch, PFA concentric nebulizer, cool plasma conditions, reaction/collision gases (H₂, He), and Agilent 1200 Infinity LC modules (Cap-LC, TCC, ALS, samplers).

Main Results and Discussion

MassHunter B.01.02 delivers optimized fast TRA acquisition (3–5 ms dwell), flexible tuning for non-standard setups, expanded chromatography processing (Global Compound Independent Calibration, QDel), and direct LC-UV integration. The triple quadrupole design with MS/MS rejects plasma-derived interferences prior to the reaction cell, achieving a background equivalent concentration of 41 ppq for Ca in UPW with minimal H₂ flow. The CODES facility profile highlights expansion to three Agilent ICP-MS instruments and four laser probes, enabling advanced geochemical mapping, isotopic fractionation studies, and bioimaging. A December 2012 workshop demonstrated the 8800’s performance and gathered user feedback across Europe.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Sub-ppt/ppq detection limits and interference removal support semiconductor quality control, environmental monitoring, and pharmaceutical compliance.
• Fast TRA acquisition and nanoparticle characterization without separation improve throughput in materials and life science research.
• Integrated LC, spectral database, and compliance tools streamline regulated analyses in pharma and industrial quality labs.
• Advanced LA-ICP-MS methods enable quantitative elemental and isotopic mapping in minerals, glasses, biological tissues, and inclusions.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Emerging directions include development of specialized calibration standards for sulfide and silicate matrices, fully automated quantitative element mapping, scalable cloud-based compliance frameworks, and expansion of triple quadrupole ICP-MS into clinical speciation, ultra-trace security screening, and high-throughput process analytics.

Conclusion

This collection underscores Agilent’s commitment to advancing ICP-MS capabilities through integrated software, triple quadrupole MS/MS technology, and laser ablation innovation. These developments collectively address evolving analytical challenges by delivering enhanced sensitivity, selectivity, and workflow efficiency.

References

1. Diaz X., Johnson W., Fernandez D., Naftz D., Applied Geochemistry, 24 (2009) 1653–1665.
2. Tiede K., Boxall A., Tiede D., Tear S., David H., Lewis J., Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 24 (2009) 964–972.
3. Tuoriniemi J., Cornelis G., Hassellöv M., Analytical Chemistry, 84 (2012) 3965–3972.