Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

(ICP-MS)

By
Mesfin Agide

What is ICP-MS?
Inductively coupled plasma-mass
spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a powerful
analytical tool used to determine
elements using mass spectrometer
from ions generated by an inductively
coupled plasma.
It was developed as a commercial
analytical technique in the early
1980s and has since been applied to
the determination of trace, minor and
major elements in almost every
analytical field.

The ICP-MS system can quantitatively

measure the colored elements

Main Component of ICPMS

Sample Introduction
The sample introduction system is one of the
most important components of the entire
ICP-MS system. The sample is
typically introduced as an aerosol,
produced by passing the liquid
Sample through a simple pneumatic
nebulizer.
Larger aerosol droplets are removed
from the gas stream by a spray
Chamber, and the remaining smaller
droplets are carried out by the argon gas.

ICP Torch

ICP Torch

Schematic of ICP

Ignition Sequence of ICP

torch

a) Argon gas is swirled through the torch.

b) RF power is applied to the
load coil.
c) A spark produces some
free electrons in the argon.
d) The free electrons are
accelerated by the RF fields
causing further Ionization
and forming a plasma.
e) The sample aerosol-carrying nebulizer flow
punches a hole in the plasma.

Interface
The positively charged ions that are produced in
the plasma are extracted
into the vacuum system,
via a Pair of interface
cones. The cones are
essentially metal
plates with central orifices
through which the ions pass.
Small orifices are used,
typically 1mm diameter or
less, to maintain the high
vacuum in the mass
Spectrometer region.

Mass Analyzer
(Quadrupole)

Two pairs of rods:

Attach + and - sides of a
variable dc source
Apply variable radiofrequency ac potentials to
each pair of rods.

Ions are accelerated into the

space between the rods by a small
potential (5-10V)
Ions having a limited range of m/z
value reach the transducer.

Detector
The detector in an ICP-MS instrument is largely
Responsible for the
characteristics of
very high sensitivity
and low random
background.
The usual detection device
is the electron
multiplier, which is similar to
a photomultiplier except
that the photosensitive surface
is not required; instead, the
electron cascade is
stimulated by an impinging ion.

Detection Limits
One of the great advantages of
ICP-MS is
extremely low detection limits for
a
wide
Element
Detection Limit (ppt)
U, Cs, variety
Bi
less than 10
of elements.
Ag, Be, Cd, Rb, Sn, Sb,
Au

10-50

Ba, Pb, Se, Sr, Co, W,

Mo, Mg

50-100

Cr, Cu, Mn

100-200

Zn, As, Ti

400-500

Li, P

1-3 ppb

Ca

less than 20 ppb

Advantage of ICP-MS
-Wide elemental coverage.
-Very low detection limit(ppt/ppm)
-Multi-element analysis in 3 to 4 minutes, relatively
few interfaces.
-Isotope analysis possible, simple spectra.
-Measure almost any element at ppt to ppm levels
in almost any material.
-Measure all elements in a single analysis,
distinguish different element species(speciation).
-High sensitivity, good matrix tolerance, low levels
of interference.
-Ease of coupling to speciation techniques(LA,LC
and GC)

Interferences
Polyatomic interferences
Minimized by:
1. Optimization of nebulizer gas flow(1.5-1.8ml/min)
2. RF power adjustment (500-800w)
3. Sampling position within plasma
Isobaric interferences
Minimized by:
1. Cold plasma technique
2. Collision /Reaction cell
3. High resolution mass analyzers as double focusing
magnetic field sector.
Matrix interferences
Minimized by use internal standardization

Applications in Food
Engineering
ICP-MS

for Detecting Heavy Metals in

Foodstuffs
Arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), mercury
(Hg), lead (Pb), and inorganic tin (Sn) are
the most toxic heavy metals that account
for most heavy metal poisoning cases.
It is used for quality control and
compliance with food regulations .
It is the best recommended techniques
for detection of trace elements and
elemental species in any food matrices.

End
Thank
you