An introduction to inductively coupled plasma source mass spectrometry

Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) source mass spectrometry is a revolutionary new method of analysis, combining the speed and convenience of sample introduction into the ICP with the high sensitivity and isotope ratio capability of atomic mass spectrometry.     

High-Resolution continuum-source atomic absorption spectrometry in an inductively coupled plasma with photodiode array detection

Atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) is a well established technique using flames and graphite furnaces. An inductively coupled plasma (ICP), however, is an attractive alternative atom/ion reservoir. A high-resolution continuum-source atomic absorption spectrometer with a photodiode array detector and an ICP as the atomization/ionization reservoir is described. Multi-wavelength capability permits the simultaneous determination of several elements by their atomic and/or ionic transitions. Each acquired spectrum is averaged for 10 s to improve the signal-to-noise ratios. Detection limits are calculated for 14 elements and compared with literature values.     

Determination of trace elements in lithium niobate crystals by solid sampling and solution-based spectrometry methods

Solid sampling (SS) graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) and solution-based (SB) methods of GFAAS, flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were elaborated and/or optimized for the determination of Cr, Fe and Mn trace elements used as dopants in lithium niobate optical crystals.     

Cadmium,copper, lead,and zinc determination in precipitation: A comparison of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and graphite furnace atomization atomic absorption spectrometry

Selected trace element analysis for cadmium, copper, lead, and zinc in precipitation samples by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission Spectrometry (ICP) and by atomic absorption spectrometry with graphite furnace atomization (AAGF) have been evaluated. This task was conducted in conjunction with a longterm study of precipitation chemistry at high altitude sites located in remote areas of the southwestern United States. Coefficients of variation and recovery values were determined for a standard reference water sample for all metals examined for both techniques. At concentration levels less than 10 micrograms per liter AAGF analyses exhibited better precision and accuracy than ICP. Both methods appear to offer the potential for cost-effective analysis of trace metal ions in precipitation.     

电感耦合等离子体质谱技术最新进展

对1998年以来电感耦合等离子体质谱技术（ICP－MS）的最新进展作一简要回顾。内容包括同位素比值分析、双聚焦扇形磁场高分辨ICP－MS、多接收器磁扇形等离子体质谱仪（MC－ICP－MS）、飞行时间等离子体质谱仪（ICP－TOF－MS）、“冷”等离子体及屏蔽炬技术以及动态碰撞／反应池技术等进展。     

Tungsten coil devices in atomic spectrometry: absorption, fluorescence, and emission.

In this work, tungsten coil (W-Coil) devices are used as atomizers for electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS), electrothermal atomization laser excited atomic fluorescence spectrometry (ETA-LEAFS), and electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ETV-ICP-AES). For most cases in ETAAS and ETA-LEAFS, limits of detection (LODs) using the W-Coil are within a factor of ten of those observed with commercial graphite furnace systems. LOD for Cd by W-Coil AAS is 10 pg, while LODs for As, Se, Cr, Sb and Pb by W-Coil LEAFS are 950, 320, 1400, 330, and 160 fg, respectively. The compact W-Coil device makes it an ideal atomizer for portable atomic spectrometry instrumentation, especially when coupled with a miniature charge coupled device spectrometer. Alternatively, the atomizer can be used as an inexpensive, modular add-on to an existing commercial ICP-AES system; and the thermal separation of Pb with interference elements Al, Mn, and Fe is demonstrated.     

电热蒸发进样电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱（ETV－ICP－AES）联用技术研究

本文采用国产部件组装了一套ＥＴＶ－ＩＣＰ－ＡＥＳ仪器体系，对装置的连接及操作参数进行优化。深入系统地考察了分析物的蒸发过程和传输过程，提出了难熔元素的蒸发和传输机理。研究了ＥＴＶ－ＩＣＰ－ＡＥＳ中基体效应，提出了以聚四氟乙烯为氟化剂，氟化辅助ＥＴＶ－ＩＣＰ－ＡＥＳ测定难熔元素的新方法，应用于环境和生物标样中痕量元素分析，获得满意结果。     

Analysis for metallothioneins using coupled techniques

Analytical chemistry of metallothioneins based on the coupling of a high resolution separation technique with an element or species selective detection technique is discussed. The role of size-exclusion chromatography (SEC) with on-line atomic spectrometric detection for the quantification of metallothionein fraction in cell cytosols is evaluated. Particular attention is given to the conditions for the separation of metallated metallothionein isoforms (MT-1, MT-2, MT-3) and sub-isoforms within these classes by anion-exchange and reversed-phase HPLC. Techniques for interfacing chromatography with atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS), inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP AES) and ICP mass spectrometry (MS) are assessed. The potential of electrospray (tandem) mass spectrometry for the characterization of metallothionein isoforms with respect to molecular mass and aminoacid sequence is highlighted. Perspectives for capillary zone electrophoresis (CZE), microbore and capillary HPLC with ICP MS and electrospray MS(/MS) detection for the probing of metallothioneins are discussed. Applications of hyphenated techniques to the analysis of real-world samples are reviewed.     

Determination of cobalt in biological samples by line-source and high-resolution continuum source graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using solid sampling or alkaline treatment

Two procedures for the determination of Co in biological samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AAS) were compared: solid sampling (SS) and alkaline treatment with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) using two different instruments for the investigation: a conventional line-source (LS) atomic absorption spectrometer and a prototype high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometer. For the direct introduction of the solid samples, certified reference materials (CRM) were ground to a particle size ≤50 μm. Alkaline treatment was carried out by placing about 250 mg of the sample in polypropylene flasks, adding 2 mL of 25% m/v tetramethylammonium hydroxide and de-ionized water. Due to its unique capacity of providing a 3-D spectral plot, a high-resolution continuum source (HR-CS) graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was used as a tool to evaluate potential spectral interferences, including background absorption for both sample introduction procedures, revealing that a continuous background preceded the atomic signal for pyrolysis temperatures lower than 700 °C. Molecular absorption bands with pronounced rotational fine structure appeared for atomization temperatures >1800 °C probably as a consequence of the formation of PO. After optimization had been carried out using high resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry, the optimized conditions were adopted also for line-source atomic absorption spectrometry. Six biological certified reference materials were analyzed, with calibration against aqueous standards, resulting in agreement with the certified values (according to the t-test for a 95% confidence level) and in detection limits as low as 5 ng g⁻¹.     

Solid sampling coupled to flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry for Mn and Ni determination in petroleum coke

A solid sampling flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (SS-FF-AAS) system was developed for Mn and Ni determination in petroleum coke. The proposed system for solid sampling was a quartz cell with two perpendicular tubes (T-shaped tubes), positioned above the burner. Manganese and Ni determination was made using an atomic absorption spectrometer with deuterium background corrector, air-acetylene flame and a single slit burner. Powdered samples of coke were introduced as pellets (up to 62 mg) into the quartz cell with a movable hollow quartz piston. When the sample pellet reached the end of quartz cell (T-connection), in the presence of a constant oxygen flow, it quickly burned and the combustion products were transferred to the upper slit tube where the atomic absorption process occurs. Calibration was possible using aqueous reference solutions applied directly on high purity graphite pellets. Results obtained for Mn and Ni using the proposed SS-FF-AAS system were compared to those obtained by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after sample decomposition by high pressure microwave assisted acid digestion and also by microwave induced combustion. Agreement better than 96% was obtained for both methods employing a previous step of sample digestion (ICP OES and ICP-MS) and by SS-FF-AAS. Accuracy was evaluated using certified reference materials and also recovery tests. The relative standard deviation was lower than 9% for both analytes. The characteristic mass was 18.3 and 14.7 ng and the limit of detection was 0.6 and 0.8 µg g^− 1 for Mn and Ni, respectively. The proposed SS-FF-AAS system can be applied for Mn and Ni determination in petroleum coke, combining a relatively high sample throughput (9 determinations per h), and a suitable precision and accuracy.     

Some observations on electrothermal vaporisation for sample introduction into the inductively coupled plasma

The development and analytical utility of electrothermal vaporisation techniques employing a graphite rod for sample introduction into the inductively coupled plasma (ICP) are assessed. In most instances detection limits are superior to those obtained with nebulisation based systems, and are comparable to those obtained with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. A model is derived for the sample injection process. Additionally the major interference and alteration of the plasma excitation phenomena ensuing from the sample introduction of a solvent free aerosol are discussed in order to assess the analytical potential of the technique for routine μl volume sample introduction in ICP spectrometry. The capability for simultaneous multi-element analyses is maintained with the electrothermal vaporisation technique.     

The identification of some water-soluble arsenic species in the marine brown algae Fucus distichus

The extraction and clean-up procedures developed to isolate the water-soluble arsenic species present in the marine macroalga Fucus distichus, from British Columbia, Canada, are described. The arsenic species were extracted into methanol and then subjected to gel-permeation and ion-exchange chromatography. Fractions high in arsenic were identified by using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GF-AAS), and further investigated by using high-performance liquid chromatography coupled to inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (HPLC–ICP MS). By using different HPLC columns and mobile-phase conditions, the four major arsenic-containing compounds present in the macroalga were positively identified as arsenosugars; one minor compound remained unidentified. © 1997 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Heavy element stable isotope ratios : analytical approaches and applications

Continuous developments in inorganic mass spectrometry techniques, including a combination of an inductively coupled plasma ion source and a magnetic sector-based mass spectrometer equipped with a multiple-collector array, have revolutionized the precision of isotope ratio measurements, and applications of inorganic mass spectrometry for biochemistry, geochemistry, and marine chemistry are beginning to appear on the horizon. Series of pioneering studies have revealed that natural stable isotope fractionations of many elements heavier than S (e.g., Fe, Cu, Zn, Sr, Ce, Nd, Mo, Cd, W, Tl, and U) are common on Earth, and it had been widely recognized that most physicochemical reactions or biochemical processes induce mass-dependent isotope fractionation. The variations in isotope ratios of the heavy elements can provide new insights into past and present biochemical and geochemical processes. To achieve this, the analytical community is actively solving problems such as spectral interference, mass discrimination drift, chemical separation and purification, and reduction of the contamination of analytes. This article describes data calibration and standardization protocols to allow interlaboratory comparisons or to maintain traceability of data, and basic principles of isotope fractionation in nature, together with high-selectivity and high-yield chemical separation and purification techniques for stable isotope studies.

Mechanism of aluminium spike formation and dissipation in electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

The mechanism of aluminium spike formation and dissipation of aluminium atoms in electrothermal atomization absorption spectrometry has been investigated using two different approaches. The first approach employs a graphite electrothermal atomizer coupled to an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer (ICP-MS) in a configuration that allows simultaneous measurement of atomic, or molecular, absorption signals and mass spectrometric signals. Aluminium sub-oxide (AlO and Al₂O) and CO(g) spikes in ICP-MS are correlated with the appearance of both Al atom spikes and Al-containing molecule spikes in absorption spectrometry. The aluminium carbide (AlC₂) signal in ICP-MS is not coincident with the appearance of either Al atom spikes or Al-containing molecule spikes in absorption spectrometry. The second approach uses two different imaging systems, i.e. shadow spectral filming (SSF) and shadow spectral digital imaging (SSDI), to provide temporally and spatially resolved absorption profiles of Al atoms and Al-containing molecules during Al spike formation and dissipation. The transverse cross-sectional distribution of Al atoms and of Al-containing molecules in the graphite furnace are complementary to one another for both wall and platform atomization. The highest concentration of Al atoms is near the graphite surface, whereas the highest concentration of Al-containing molecular species is at the centre of the graphite tube. The Al-containing molecules observed in both wall and platform atomization consist of both gaseous Al-molecules and a non-uniformly distributed cloud of finely dispersed Al₂O₃(s,1) particles. A mechanism of formation that is consistent with the above experimental observations is presented. It is proposed that Al atom spikes are formed from gaseous Al₂O precursors and that this reaction is triggered by the formation of a molten, condensed-phase Al₄C₃ melt.     

The graphite furnace and its role in atomic spectroscopy

The diversity of applications of the graphite furnace is extraordinary, encompassing the fields of physics, thermochemistry, spectroscopy and analytical chemistry. In this respect, the graphite furnace has been used on a continuous basis as a research tool for nearly a century. Following its introduction as an atomization source for atomic absorption spectrometry by L'vov in 1959, its role in atomic spectrometry expanded considerably to encompass analytical applications in emision, fluorescence, absorption and mass spectrometry. In addition to its conspicuous use as an atomization source in these areas, it is frequently employed as a vaporizer when used in the format of combined and tandem sources with other instrumentation. The unique physico-chemical micro-environment which can be attained within the graphite furnace has also been used to advantage in a number of investigations, including the determination of gas- and solid-phase diffusion coefficients of high-temperature metal vapours, the heats of sublimation of refractory metals, fundamental optical constants and the measurement of the heats of desorption of adatoms from high-temperature surfaces. The range of such applications remains to be more fully explored. The attractive features of this source, viz., the high atomization/vaporization efficiency, comparatively long atomic vapour residence times, controllable chemical and thermal environment and its ability to handle high dissolved solids content samples (相似文献   

Multi-element characterization of silicon nitride powders by atomic and mass spectrometric solution methods

A sample pretreatment technique for silicon nitride involving digestion and matrix/traces separation was developed by means of radiotracers and applied to analysis of this material by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. The results obtained for a high purity silicon nitride material by these methods are compared each with the other and with those obtained by neutron activation analysis. The limits of detection and the capabilities of the methods are compared and discussed.     

Determination of organotin compounds in marine sediments using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Organotin compounds, especially tributyltin, began to cause concern 10 years ago due to a high toxicity towards marine organisms. Several methods of analysing organotin compounds in various matrices have already been developed to determine organotin species simultaneously, but these are quite expensive as special equipment and specialized staff are needed. A simple screening method, which determines the organic tin compounds in the sediment, has therefore been developed and validated. The method can easily be implemented in laboratories accustomed to tracelement analyses; the sediment is extracted by a two-phase extraction and the organic extract is analysed using graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF AA.) The screening method has been validated using high-pressure liquid chromatography-inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (HPLC–ICP MS).     

Comparative Studies on Chemical Modification by Diethyldithiocarbamate for ETV-ICP-OES and ETAAS Determination of Chromium and Nickel

The chemical modification of diethyldithiocarbamate (DDTC) in electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ETV-ICP-OES) and in electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) was comparatively investigated. The experimental results indicated that the formation of Cr- and Ni-DDTC chelates enhanced significantly the emission signals of Cr and Ni in ETV-ICP-OES, but decreased the absorption signal of Cr and Ni in ETAAS. The different role of DDTC in ETV-ICP-OES and ETAAS was attributed to the different functions of the graphite furnace in the two techniques. The graphite furnace was used as both a vaporizer and an atom-vessel for analytes in ETAAS, but only used as a vaporizer for the sample in ETV-ICP-OES. Thermal gravimetric analysis of Cr- and Ni-DDTC chelates and UV-Vis analysis of the sample vapor collected in CHCl₃ after vaporization of their chelates from the graphite furnace indicated that the analytes were vaporized and transported into ICP as their chelates. In addition, the vaporization mechanism of Cr and Ni was also briefly discussed.     

Status and future prospects for use of the graphite furnace for elemental trace analysis of liquids and solids

Summary An overview of the versatility and use of the graphite furnace for elemental trace analysis of liquids and solids using spectrochemical detection is presented. The analytical performance of conventional graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry is compared to other popular state of the art spectrochemical techniques with respect to detection power, precision, sample compatibility and throughput. Some applications of the graphite furnace to practical problem solving in trace analysis are highlighted, including its use with atomic absorption, coherent forward scattering, laser excited atomic fluorescence, laser enhanced ionization and coupled methodologies. Prospects for future use and evaluation are given.     

Analytical plasma source mass spectrometry in biomedical research

The features of inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) that make it unique also make possible applications in biological chemistry and biomedical research that would be otherwise difficult or impossible. High sensitivity, characterized spectral interferences, rapid mass scanning, and individual isotope measurements are now combined with sophisticated sample preparation, separations, or stable isotope additions to achieve rapid semi-quantitative analysis, element speciation, and high accuracy. The semi-quantitative analysis of various materials, the separation and detection of macromolecules in blood and other tissues, and tracking of stable isotopes added either purposely or inadvertently to children are important applications of ICP-MS. Current functional limitations and obstacles and potential development areas also are examined.