International Journal of Drug Development & Research

| October-December 2012 | Vol. 4 | Issue 4 | ISSN 0975-9344 |

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©2012 IJDDR

A Review on Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy

Ramyalakshmi G*1, Venkatesh P1,Hepcy kalarani D1, Ravindra reddy K1, Archana E1,
Manjuvani S2
1
P.Rami Reddy Memorial College of Pharmacy-Kadapa-516 003. Andhra Pradesh. India.
2
Raghavendra Institute of Pharmaceutical Educational and Research-Anantapur-515001.Andhra Pradesh. India.
Covered in Index Copernicus with IC Value 4.68 for 2010

Abstract How to Cite this Paper:

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy is Ramyalakshmi G*, Venkatesh P, Hepcy
routinely used in many diverse research fields such as kalarani D, Ravindra reddy K, Archana E,
earth, environmental, life and forensic sciences and Manjuvani S “A Review on Inductively Coupled
in food, material, chemical, semiconductor and Plasma Mass Spectroscopy” Int. J. Drug Dev. & Res.,
nuclear industries. The high ion density and the high October-December 2012, 4(4): 69-79.
temperature in a plasma provide an ideal atomizer
and element ionizer for all types of samples and Copyright © 2012 IJDDR, Ramyalakshmi G et
materials introduced by a specialised devices al. This is an open access paper distributed under the
.outstanding properties such as high sensitivity, copyright agreement with Serials Publication, which
Review Paper

relative salt tolerance, compound-independent

permits unrestricted use, distribution, and
element response and highest quantitation accuracy
reproduction in any medium, provided the original
lead to the unchallenged performance of ICPMS in
work is properly cited.
efficiently detecting, identifying and reliably
quantifying trace element. The increasing availability
Article History:------------------------
of relevant reference compounds and high
Date of Submission: 19-10-2012
separation selectively extend the molecular
Date of Acceptance: 30-10-2012
identification capability of ICPMS hyphenated to
Conflict of Interest: NIL
species – specific separation techniques
Source of Support: NONE

INTRODUCTION
*Corresponding author, Mailing address:
Ramyalakshmi G Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-
P. R. R. M. College of Pharmacy,
MS) is an analytical technique that performs
1/35-1, Prakruthi nagar,
Kadapa - 516 003. (A.P) - India. elemental analysis with excellent sensitivity. The
E-mail: ramya.pharma89@gmail.com
ICP-MS instrument employs argon plasma (ICP) as
the ionization source and a mass spectrometer (MS),
Key words: usually with a quadrupole mass filter, to separate the
Inductively coupled plasma mass spectroscopy; ions produced.
sample introduction, element speciation, separation It can simultaneously measure most elements in the
technique. periodic table and determine analyte concentrations

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 Ramyalakshmi G et al: A Review on Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy

down to the sub nanogram per litre or parts per individual atoms. These atoms will lose electrons and
trillion (ppt), level. It can perform qualitative, semi become (singly) charged positive ions. Most elements
quantitative, and quantitative analysis, and compute ionize very efficiently (>90) in the hot plasma.
isotopic ratios on water samples, and in waste The layout of an ICP-MS is shown in (fig.1).To allow
extracts and digest In an ICP-MS instrument, liquid their identification, the elemental ions produced in
samples are introduced by a peristaltic pump to the the plasma (ICP)must be transferred from 7000K to
Covered in Index Copernicus with IC Value 4.68 for 2010

nebulizer where a sample aerosol is formed. room temperature and from atmospheric pressure to
A double-pass spray chamber ensures that a high vacuum. To do so, the ions are extracted
consistent aerosol is introduced to the plasma. through a number of apertures. Besides ions also
Argon gas is introduced through a series of photons are produced in the plasma. Photons also
concentric quartz tubes, known as the ICP torch. The pass through the apertures. They are not removed by
torch is located in the Se centre of a RF coil. A Tesla vacuum and produce high background signal when
coil ionizes the argon gas and free electrons are they reach the detector. To minimize this
accelerated by a 27 MHz radio frequency field. background, also called photon stop is present this
Collisions between the accelerated electrons and the is a small metal plate placed in the centre of the ion
argon gas generate high temperature plasma. The beam, which reflects the photons away from the
Review Paper

sample aerosol is instantaneously decomposed in the detector.

plasma to form analyte atoms, some of which are The positive ions are not stopped by the photon stop
ionized. because a positively charged cylinder lens guides
The ions produced are extracted from the plasma them around it. Subsequently, the ion beam enters
into the mass spectrometer region, which is the quadrupole mass analyser. In the quadrupole the
maintained at a high vacuum (typically 10-6torr) ions are separated on the basis of their mass-to-
using differential pumping. The analyte ions are charge ratio. Each element has its own characteristic
extracted through a pair of orifices, approximately 1 isotopes and masses and will therefore produce its
mm in diameter, known as the sampling cone and the own mass spectrum. After passing the quadrupole
skimmer cone. The analyte ions are then focused by a the ions hit a special detector .It contains two stages
series of lenses into a quadrupole mass analyzer to allow simultaneous measurements of high and low
which separates the ions based on their mass-to- signals. This allows simultaneous detection of main
charge ratio (m/z). Finally, ions are detected using components and ultra trace elements in single run,
an electron multiplier, and data at all masses are the ICP-MS a perfect tool for survey analysis of
collected and stored through a computer interface. totally unknown samples[2].
The mass spectrum generated is extremely simple[1].

PRINCIPLE OF ICP-MS
Using ICP-MS, all kinds of materials can be
measured. Solutions are vaporized using a nebulizer,
while solids can be sampled using laser ablation.
Gasses can be sampled directly. The sampled
material is introduced into high-energy argon plasma
that consists of electrons and positively charged
Fig 1: Lay out of an ICP and Detailed layout of
argon ion. In the plasma, the material is split into cylinder lens

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 Ramyalakshmi G et al: A Review on Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy

ICP-MS ANALYSIS work best with simple liquid samples (i.e. solutions).
An ICP-MS consists of the following component. However, there have been instances of their use with
• Sample introduction system – composed of a more complex materials like slurry. Many varieties of
nebulizer and spray chamber and provides the nebulizers have been coupled to ICP-MS, including
means of getting samples into the instrument pneumatic, cross-flow, Babington, ultrasonic, and
• ICP torch and RF coil–generates the argon desolvating types. The aerosol generated is often
Covered in Index Copernicus with IC Value 4.68 for 2010

plasma, which serves as the ion source of the treated to limit it to only smallest droplets,
ICP-MS commonly by means of a double pass or cyclonic
• Interface – links the atmospheric pressure ICP spray chamber. Use of auto samplers makes this
ion source to the high vacuum mass easier and faster.
spectrometer Less commonly, the laser ablation has been used as a

• Vacuum system – provides high vacuum for ion means of sample introduction. In this method, a laser

optics, quadrupole, and detector is focused on the sample and creates a plume of

• Collision/reaction cell – precedes the mass ablated material which can be swept into the plasma.

spectrometer and is used to remove This is particularly useful for solid samples, though

interferences that can degrade the detection can be difficult to create standards for leading the
Review Paper

limits achieved. It is possible to have a cell that challenges in quantitative analysis.

can be caused both in the collision cell and Other methods of sample introduction are also

reaction cell modes, which is referred to as a utilized. Electro thermal vaporization (ETV) and in

universal cell torch vaporization (ITV) use hot surfaces (graphite or

metal, generally) to vaporize samples for
• Ion optics – guides the desired ions into the
introduction. These can use very small amounts of
quadrupole while assuring that neutral species
liquids, solids, or slurries. Other methods like vapor
and photons are discarded from the ion beam
generation are also known.
• Mass spectrometer – acts as a mass filter to
sort ions by their mass-to-charge ratio (m/z)
THE ICP TORCH MAKING IONS
• Detector – counts individual ions exiting the
The plasma used in an ICP-MS is made by partially
quadrupole
ionizing argon gas (Ar → Ar+ +e). The energy
• Data handling and system controller- controls
required for this reaction is obtained by pulsing an
all aspects of instrument control and data
electrical current in wires that surround the argon.
handling to obtain final concentration results.
After the sample is injected, the plasma's extreme
Now it is time to take a closer look at each of these
temperature causes the sample to separate into
components.
individual atoms (atomization). Next, the plasma
ionizes these atoms (M → M+ + e−) so that they can
SAMPLE INTRODUCTION
be detected by the mass spectrometer. Inductively
The first step in analysis is the introduction of the
coupled plasma (ICP) for spectrometry is sustained
sample. This has been achieved in ICP-MS through a
in a torch that consists of three concentric tubes,
variety of means. The most common method is the
usually made of quartz. The end of this torch is
use of a nebulizer. This is a device which converts
placed inside an induction coil supplied with a radio-
liquids into an aerosol, and that aerosol can then be
frequency electric current. A flow of argon gas
swept into the plasma to create the ions. Nebulizers
(usually 14 to 18 litres per minute) is introduced

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 Ramyalakshmi G et al: A Review on Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy

between the two outermost tubes of the torch and an the right of the skimmer cone) operates at a very low
electrical spark is applied for a short time to pressure. With a two-cone design, there can only be a
introduce free electronsintothe gas stream. These two-step reduction in the pressure between the
electrons interact with the radio-frequency magnetic plasma and filtering quadrupole.
field of the induction coil and are accelerated first in A recent innovation has introduced a third cone into
one direction, then the other, as the field changes at the interface which greatly reduces the divergence of
Covered in Index Copernicus with IC Value 4.68 for 2010

high frequency (usually 27.12 MHz). The accelerated the ion beam as it exits the interface region. The third
electrons collide with argon atoms, and sometimes a cone, called the hyper-skimmer, provides a three-
collision causes an argon atom to part with one of its step reduction in pressure between the plasma and
electrons. The released electron is in turn accelerated the filtering quadrupole, resulting in a substantial
by the rapidly changing magnetic field. The process reduction in the divergence of the emerging ion
continues until the rate of release of new electrons in beam. With the three-cone design, conventional ion
collisions is balanced by the rate of recombination of lenses can be completely eliminated from the
electrons with argon ions (atoms that have lost an instrument, resulting in greater ion transmission,
electron). This produces a ‘fireball’ that consists improved long-term stability, and reduced
mostly of argon atoms with a rather small fraction of instrument maintenance. In the three-cone design,
Review Paper

free electrons and argon ions none of the cones has a voltage applied such as
may exist on an extraction lens. Since the cones are
INTERFACE SAMPLING IONS electrically neutral, any build up of material on their
Placing a plasma, operating at 6000 °C, near an ion surfaces will not significantly impact their function.
focusing device operating near room temperature is a In addition, experience has shown that the three-
bit like placing the earth about a half-mile away from cone design requires no more maintenance than a
the sun. In addition to a large temperature conventional two-cone design. Cones are most often
difference, the plasma operates at a pressure that is produced from nickel or platinum. While nickel
much higher than the vacuum required by the ion cones have a lower purchase price, platinum cones
lens and allows mass spectrometer portions of the provide longer life, are more resistant to some acids,
instrument. The interface the plasma and the ion lens and provide a small improvement in instrument
system to coexist and the ions generated by the performance. The orifice openings of the cones
plasma to pass into the ion lens region. The interface should be large enough to allow for the passage of the
consists of two or three inverted funnel-like devices ion beam while, at the same time, not allow so much
called cones. gas to enter the instrument that the instrument’s
Until recently, all commercially available ICP-MS vacuum system is taxed. Experience has shown that
systems used the two-cone design. Such a design orifice openings of approximately 1 mm are ideal[3].
requires down-stream focusing of the beam that exits
the interface region.
This focusing has been achieved through the use of a
single or a series of charged devices called ion lenses.
The need for these ion lenses can be explained in fig
no 2 . A mentioned earlier, the plasma (located to the
Fig 2: Two cone design on the left shows a wide
left of the sampler cone) operates at atmospheric beam divergence resulting from a single,
pressure, while the filtering quadrupole (located to largepressure reduction.Three cone design on the

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 Ramyalakshmi G et al: A Review on Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy

right shows a small ion beam divergence, resulting in the Bruker(former Varian) ICP-MS is another
from two small pressure reduction
effective approach to removing ions.
Axial field technology (AFT) is a DRC modification by
TRANSFER OF IONS INTO VACUUM
Perkin-Elmer, which consists in two supplementary
The carrier gas is sent through the central channel
rods placed in the DRC cell that move the ions faster
and into the very hot plasma. The sample is then
through the cell and improving analysis speed.
exposed to radio frequency which converts the gas
Covered in Index Copernicus with IC Value 4.68 for 2010

Thermo Scientific's XSeries2 instrument utilizes a

into a plasma. The high temperature of the plasma is
collision/reaction cell for interference removal,
sufficient to cause a very large portion of the sample
consisting of a non-consumable hexapole and
to form ions. This fraction of ionization can approach
chicane ion deflector, which takes the ion beam off-
100% for some elements (e.g. sodium), but this is
axis. The Agilent octopole reaction system (ORS))
dependent on the ionization potential. A fraction of
uses only helium or hydrogen and the volume of the
the formed ions passes through a ~1 mm hole
cell is smaller than that of a DRC, but is based only
(sampler cone) and then a ~0.4 mm hole (skimmer
on collision reactions and not on chemical reactions
cone). The purpose of which is to allow a vacuum that
is required by themass spectrometer.
COLLISIONAL REACTION INTERFACE (CRI)
The vacuum is created and maintained by a series of
Review Paper

The proprietary collisional reaction interface

pumps. The first stage is usually based on a roughing
(CRI)[6] used in the Bruker ICP-MS destroying
pump, most commonly a standard rotary vane pump.
interfering ions. These ions are removed by injecting
This removes most of the gas and typically reaches a
a collisional gas (He), or a reactive gas (H2), or a
pressure of around 133 Pa. Later stages have their
mixture of the two, directly into the plasma as it
vacuum generated by more powerful vacuum
flows through the skimmer cone and/or the
systems, most often turbo molecular pumps. Older
samplercone.
instruments may have used oil diffusion pumps for
Supplying the reactive/collisional gas into the tip of
high vacuum regions.
the skimmer cone and/or into the tip of the sampler
cone induces extra collisions and reactions that
COLLISION REACTION CELL
destroy polyatomic ions in the passing plasma.
The collision reaction cell is used to remove
Fundamentally, CRI is a micro Collision/Reaction
interfering ions through ion/neutral
Cell (mCRC) destroying ICP-MS interferences using a
reactionsCollision/reaction cells are known under
collisional Kinetic Energy Discrimination (KED)
several trade names. The dynamic reaction cell was
phenomenon and chemical reactions with interfering
introduced by Perkin-Elmer on their Elan DRC
ions similarly to traditionally used larger Collision
(followed by Elan DRC II and Elan DRC-e)
instrument and is located before the quadrupolein
ION OPTICS
the ICP-MS device[4],[5]. The chamber has a
Before mass separation, a beam of positive ions has
quadrupole and can be filled-up with reaction (or
to be extracted from the plasma and focused into the
collision) gases (ammonia, methane, oxygen or
mass-analyzer. It is important to separate the ions
hydrogen), with one gas type at a time or a mixture of
from UV photons, energetic neutrals and from any
two of them, which reacts with the introduced
solid particles that may have been carried into the
sample, eliminating some of the interference. The
instrument from the ICP. Traditionally,ICP-MS
collisional reaction interface (CRI) technology used
instruments have used transmitting ion lens

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 Ramyalakshmi G et al: A Review on Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy

arrangements for this purpose. Examples include the measure the elements of interest in the sample
Einzel lens,the Barrel lens, Agilent's Omega Lens [7] analyse.
and Perkin-Elmer's Shadow stop.
Another approach is to use ion guides (quadrupoles, DATA HANDLING AND SYSTEM
hexapoles, or octopoles) to guide the ions into mass CONTROLLER
analyzer along a path away from the trajectory of All ICP-MS instruments require computers and
Covered in Index Copernicus with IC Value 4.68 for 2010

photons or neutral particles. Yet another approach is sophisticated software to control the mass
Varian patented used by Bruker[8] 90 degrees spectrometer as well as perform calculations on the
reflecting "Ion Mirror" optics, which are claimed to data collected. Additionally, the operating
provide more efficient ion transport into the mass- parameters of the spectrometer, including proper
analyzer, resulting in better sensitivity and reduced ignition of the plasma, pressure within the high
background[9]. vacuum region, and the voltage applied to the
detector, are to be constantly monitored by the
THE MASS SPECTROMETER-SEPERATING controller, and the operator is to be alerted if any
ION parameter falls outside of the proper working range
and mass response of the instrument. All in all, the
Review Paper

controller should monitor more than 100 separate

parameters of the spectrometer.

DATA HANDLING AND CALCULATION

The software translates he ion counts measured by
Fig 3: Quadrupole mass filter the detector into information that may be more
useful to the operator. The ICP-MS instrument can
The mass spectrometer separates the singly charged
provide data in one of four ways – semi-quantitative
ions from each other by mass, serving as a mass
analysis, quantitative analysis, isotope dilution
filter. Three main types of mass spectrometers are
analysis, and isotope ratio. Results can be generated
used in commercial ICP-MS systems: quadrupole,
using customized report formats or easily transferred
time-of-flight, and magnetic sector. For overall
to a laboratory information management system
performance and economic value, most laboratories
(LIMS) or other data handling system
choose an ICP-MS with a quadrupole mass
spectrometer. A quadrupole works by setting
ICPMS SPECTRUM
voltages and radio frequencies to allow ions of a
Is a plot of ion intensity (y-axis) versus mass to
given mass-to-charge ratio to remain stable within
charge ratio (x-axis).In an argon plasma,
the rods and pass through to the detector. Ions with
predominantly singly charged ions are produced
different mass to charge ratios are unstable in the cell
.This means in practice that the mass-to-charge ratio
and are ejected.
can be replaced by mass in the spectrum (fig. 4).Most
To cover the full mass range, the electronics rapidly
elements have more than one isotope and each
change the conditions of the quadrupole to allow
isotope has a specific mass. Copper(Cu) ,or example,
different mass-to-charge ratio ions to pass through.
has two isotopes: 63 Cu with 34neutrons and 65 Cu
Under the control of the instrument software, the
with 36neutrons in the nucleus .thus, the mass
mass spectrometer can move to any m/z needed to
spectrum of copper consists of two peaks, mass 63

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 Ramyalakshmi G et al: A Review on Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy

and mass 65.The natural ratio of the different subtracting the appropriate correction factor from
isotopes of an element is constant in nature. the intensity of the interfered isotope.
Therefore it is not difficult to correct for overlap of
isotopes of different elements. In addition, a non- MOLECULAR INTERFERENCES
interfered isotope is present for almost all elements. Are due to the recombination of sample and matrix
Remaining interfering signals are removed by “in- ions with Ar or other matrix components (e.g. O, N,
Covered in Index Copernicus with IC Value 4.68 for 2010

house” software. This approach makes fast overview Cl, etc.) in the cooler regions of the plasma. Examples
analysis of the total elemental composition (10) include the following:
40Ar16O on 56Fe,47Ti16O on 63Cu,40Ar35Cl on 75As ,40Ar2
on 80Se.
Most molecular ions formed by matrix components
are predictable and may be corrected for by applying
correction factors determined by analysing
interference solutions. Molecular interferences may
also be avoided by using alternative, non-interfered
analyte isotopes. In some cases they can be reduced
Review Paper

in severity or even eliminated completely by using

more appropriate sample introduction systems or

INTERFERENCES optimizing instrument operating

Fig no conditions.
:4 ICP-MS Spectrum
Although interferences do occur in ICP-MS, they are
relatively few in number (when compared to some DOUBLY-CHARGED ION INTERFERENCES

other analytical techniques such as for example Are due to relatively rare doubly-charged matrix or

inductively coupled plasma atomic emission sample ions with twice the mass of the analyte and

spectrometry, ICP-AES), generally predictable and hence the same mass/charge ratio. The following is

can often be corrected for, may be minimized by an example:

90Zr++ on 45Sc.
optimizing instrument operating conditions, or are
relatively insignificant. The three types of The formation of doubly-charged species can

interferences that occur are isobaric, molecular (or generally be minimized by optimizing instrument

polyatomic) and doubly-charged ion interferences. operating conditions. Luckily, the first ionisation
potential of Ar, although high enough to efficiently

ISOBARIC INTERFERENCES ionise most elements once, is not high enough to

Occur for equal mass isotopes of different elements. produce doubly-charged ions of most elements, thus

Examples include the following: limiting their numbers in Ar plasmas.

58Fe on 58Ni,64Ni on 64Zn,48Ca on 48Ti.
They are best avoided by choosing alternative, non- MATRIX EFFECTS

interfered analyte isotopes, if available. Given Clogging of the orifices in either or both of the

acknowledge of the natural abundances of the interface cones may be a problem when samples with

isotopes of all elements, isobaric interferences are high total dissolved solid (TDS) contents are

easily corrected by measuring the intensity of analysed. The high salt content of seawater samples

another isotope of the interfering element and represents a common example of this type of matrix-
dependent effect. The problem may be overcome by

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 Ramyalakshmi G et al: A Review on Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy

sample dilution or by avoiding solutions with TDS Agilent Technologies currently markets the 7500
concentrations above 0.1 wt.%. Alternatively, a series2, including the 7500cx, which is a wide-range
sample introduction system capable of removing sampler, whereas the 7500csis specifically for the
dissolved salts may be used (e.g. an ultrasonic semiconductor industry. ICP-MS systems from
nebuliser with a desolvation unit). Thermo Fisher Scientific include the XSERIES 2,
The presence of abundant, easily ionised matrix ELEMENT GD, ELEMENT XR, and ELEMENT2 HR-
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components such as Na in seawater may lead to a ICP-MS. The ELEMENT models are sector field ICP-
suppression in the ionisation efficiency of analytes. MS units. In July 2008, Thermo Fisher published a
Once again, this effect may be reduced by sample poster demonstrating the capability of collision cell-
dilution or by removal of the easily ionised matrix based ICP-MS to analyze multi elemental
component. environmental and geological samples with the use of
Mass-charge effectsbetween abundant heavy matrix the XSERIES 2 collision cell-based ICP-MS analyzer.
ions (e.g. Pb, U) with high kinetic energies and Varian currently offers the 810-MS, for trace and
lighter analyte ions may also result in decreased elemental analysis, and the 820-MS, which uses a
analyte signal intensities[11]. collision reaction interface system to overcome
spectroscopic interferences.
Review Paper

LAB CAUTIONS FOR ICP - MS GBC Scientific (Dandenong, Victoria, Australia)

• Make sure that all samples are well mixed prior offers the GBC OptiMass 9500 ICP-TOF-MS, a
to analysis. second-generation time-of-flight mass spectrometer.
• Label all sample tubes and caps. Its main areas of application include both
• Calculate the exact added standard environmental and forensic analysis[13].
concentration in each sample.
• After completion of the experiment, remove all EXPANDING MARKETS

sample tubes and caps from the ICP-MS The market size for the number of ICP-MS units sold,

instrument area[12]. including both quadrupole and high-resolution

systems, is currently 900–1000 per year. ICP-MS has

CURRENT ICP-MS OFFERS been widely used for testing drinking water,

There are several ICP-MS systems that are presently wastewater, soil and other parts of the environment,

promoted for various application markets. Although body fluids, tissues, and the materials that make

quadrupole ICP-MS is the vast majority of ICP-MS electronic chips. ICP-MS technology has

instruments produced and sold ,the other two types revolutionized many industries, including the

of ICP-MS instruments available include sector field semiconductor and environmental industries, by

and time-of-flight (TOF). “In terms of the numbers enabling laboratories to run more precise, sensitive

produced, you can think of quadrupole ICP-MS as analyses, more economically and more quickly. In

being like gasoline engine cars, sector field ICP-MS fact, today’s three major applications served by ICP-

as diesel cars, and TOF-ICP-MS as being like hybrid MS technology include environmental monitoring,

cars,”according to Steven Beres, Perkin Elmer ICP- biomonitoring, and elemental analysis in the

MS Specialist/Expert. Asseen, PerkinElmer’s ICP-MS semiconductor industry.

system is continually evolving. The current ICP-MS Environmental monitoring and biomonitoring go

instruments offered include the ELAN 9000, ELAN somewhat hand-in-hand, since both involve testing

DRC-e, and ELAN DRC II. for chemicals in the environment. Environmental

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 Ramyalakshmi G et al: A Review on Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectroscopy

monitoring is of fundamental importance because it analysis. These standards are analyzed to establish
provides the basis on which we make our the calibration curve. The unknown samples are then
assessments of the quality of our environment. run, and the signal intensities are compared to the
Biomonitoring is an important application on a calibration curve to determine the concentration of
personal level since it involves testing human blood, the unknown.
urine, and other body fluids and tissue samples to
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assess the degree of exposure and absorption of ISOTOPE RATIO

natural, synthetic, and toxic chemicals in the Since ICP-MS instruments measure specific isotopes
environment. of an element, the ratio of two or more isotopes can
The semiconductor industry is another important readily be determined. Isotope-ratio determinations
application market for ICP-MS. Over the past several are used in a variety of applications, including
decades, computer chips have been introduced into geological dating of rocks, nuclear applications,
the majority of electronic devices manufactured in determining the source of a contaminant, and
the world today— mobile phones, TVs, DVD players, biological tracer studies.
and more. Throughout the years, the application of
ICP-MS to test the materials that make electronic ISOTOPE DILUTION
Review Paper

chips has allowed semiconductor chips to become Isotope dilution experiments can also be performed
more powerful, smaller, and affordable. “ICP-MS has by ICP-MS. In isotope dilution, the sample is spiked
allowed them to achieve greater densities with fewer with an enriched isotope of the element of interest.
defects per wafer so that the cost per chip could The enriched isotope acts as both a calibration
decrease,” noted Steven Beres. standard and an internal standard. Because the
ICP-MS is influencing new ways of thinking in other enriched isotope has the same chemical and physical
markets. One market involves the observation of life properties as the analyte element, it is the best
science and biological applications. Cells and other possible internal standard. For this reason, isotope
intracellular components interact with elements and dilution is recognized as being the most accurate type
metals for signaling, function, and maintenance. As a of all analyses and is often used to certify standard
result, ICP-MS would be a potential tool to analyze reference materials.
molecular interactions occurring within the cells,
which includes binding interactions between proteins SEMI-QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS
and other metals For some analyses, it is not necessary to calibrate the
ICP-MS for each element. After the instrument has
APPLICATIONS been calibrated using a single solution containing as
QUANTITATIVE ANALYSIS few as three elements, a high-quality semi-
The ICP-MS accurately determines how much of a quantitative analysis for 82 elements can be
specific element is in the material analyzed. In a performed in just a few minutes. Semi-quantitative
typical quantitative analysis, the concentration of analysis provides a fingerprint of the elements
each element is determined by comparing the counts present in a sample and the approximate
measured for a selected isotope to an external concentrations of each element. This information can
calibration curve that was generated for that help determine what standards are necessary for
element. Liquid calibration standards are prepared in quantitative analysis. Additionally, semi- quantitative
the same manner as used in AA and ICP-OES analysis can provide valuable information on what

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other elements are present in a sample that could element analysis of fresh, saline and sediment
cause interferences and potentially affect the results. pore waters.
The software does this by comparing the measured
spectrum of the unknown sample to the known
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