Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a technique used for elemental analysis and identifying unknown compounds. This technique has the capacity to detect most elements in the periodic table at levels as low as nanograms per liter.
What is Inductively Coupled Plasma?
ICP instruments utilize a plasma torch as an ionization source that works to separate the constituent elements in a sample and convert them into ions. The plasma is created by an RF generator that is fed a plasma gas, usually Argon, through the torch.
Importance of Environmental Analysis
There is a range of factors that drive environmental analyses, specifically the requirements for determining elements at low concentrations and their bio-availability. Contamination and sample pre-treatment must be minimized to preserve the sample. As the costs of environmental analysis increase, quick and accurate testing methods that can capture data o