Using ICP-MS as a Rapid Survey Tool for Semiquantitative Analysis
Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) provides simple spectra useful for qualitatively investigating unknown samples. This document illustrates how the 4500 ICP-MS, combined with ChemStation software, allows for approximate concentration calculations without calibration.
The note details the analytical criteria required for good survey analysis, including high speed, excellent signal-to-noise ratio, wide dynamic range, and a flat response curve. It presents data from environmental reference materials (SLRS-3 River water and IAEA Soil 7) showing that semiquantitative values agree well with certified concentrations.
| Plasma frequency | 27.12 MHz |
|---|---|
| Ionization potential coverage | below 7.5 eV |
It is a method where elemental intensities measured in an unknown sample are compared with the intensity of an internal standard spike to give a relative concentration result.
A process involving spiking the sample and acquiring data over the complete mass range takes approximately 60 seconds.
The criteria are high speed of analysis, excellent signal to noise, wide dynamic range, and a flat response curve.