ICP MS (solution ICP MS)

ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer) is an analytical instrument that is capable of detecting the trace concentration and the isotopic composition of elements present in the sample. Our lab is equipped with a 2008 vintage of Thermo Scientific XSeries II quadrupole ICP mass spectrometer with AS 520 Cetac autosampler. The mass spectrometer is equipped with a simultaneous (PC/AN) single SEM detector that allows measurements of wide range of concentrations in automatic mode. Data is processed in a PC with using Thermo PlasmaLab software.

Solution mode ICP-MS is used for trace element analyses of geological and environmental samples as well as for precise isotope ratio measurements. Detection limits vary with sample matrix and analyzed elements from low ppt up to several tens of ppb. Analytical precision for most elements vary from 0.5 to 2% (RSD). Precision of isotopic ratio measurements can be as low as 0.3% (RSD), subject to the isotopic abundances and sample matrix.

THERMO XSeries II with the Cetac autosampler