Table of Contents
Can ICP-MS detect isotopes?
ICP-MS can be used to measure the individual isotopes of each element; this capability brings value to laboratories interested in one specific isotope of an element or in the ratio between two isotopes of an element.
What types of samples can be analyzed by ICP-MS?
ICP metal analysis can be performed on solid and liquid samples, but a solid sample must be converted to liquid form before testing by dissolving the sample in a solvent (typically acid) to produce a solution. The sample solution is introduced into the ICP as a fine aerosol of droplets.
What MS resolution is needed for isotope Analyses?
Modern instruments operate at 6-10kV. The radius of deflection of an ion within a magnetic field depends on the kinetic energy and the mass/charge ratio of the ion (strictly, the magnet is a momentum analyzer not just a mass analyzer).
How are isotope ratios measured?
The isotopic ratio is measured using an isotope ratio mass spectrometer (IRMS). Stable isotope ratios are expressed in delta values relative to international scales. To calculate the ratio of an unknown sample you must compare it to a known reference.
What is the difference between ICP-OES and ICP-MS?
ICP-OES is mainly used for samples with high total dissolved solids (TDS) or suspended solids and is, therefore, more robust for analyzing ground water, wastewater, soil, and solid waste. ICP-MS, on the other hand, is especially useful for analyzing samples with low regulatory limits.
What is the ICP-MS oxide ratio?
A low cerium oxide ratio is often used as an indicator of plasma robustness in ICP-MS; the 7500cx typically operates at 1\% CeO/Ce, compared to around 2\% or 3\% CeO/ Ce typically seen on other ICP-MS instruments.
What are the limitations of ICP-MS?
A major disadvantage is the high capital cost of the instrumentation. Heavier elements, such as lead, are well-suited for ICP-MS analysis, whereas lighter elements are prone to more interferences. Lighter elements which are not amenable to assay by ICP-MS include chromium and iron.
What is the difference between ICP and ICP-MS?
Instrument performance ICP-OES quantitation is based on measurement of excited atoms and ions at the wavelength characteristics for the specific elements being measured. ICP-MS, however, measures an atom’s mass by mass spectrometry (MS).
What can ICP detect?
It is known and used for its ability to detect metals and several non-metals in liquid samples at very low concentrations. It can detect different isotopes of the same element, which makes it a versatile tool in isotopic labeling.
What is stable isotope analysis used for?
Stable isotope analysis allows researchers to identify isotopic markers of certain foods in human bone and teeth, which can be used to reconstruct ancient diet and population movements.
How are isotope abundances used?
Isotope analysis can be used by forensic investigators to determine whether two or more samples of explosives are of a common origin. Most high explosives contain carbon, hydrogen, nitrogen and oxygen atoms and thus comparing their relative abundances of isotopes can reveal the existence of a common origin.