Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

The Elemental Analysis Core uses an Agilent™ 8900 triple quadrupole mass spectrometer (ICP-QQQ). We use an SPS 4 autosampler and ADS 2 autodilutor, allowing for higher throughput and accuracy.

The 8900 has excellent sensitivity with detection limits for most naturally occurring elements in the parts per billion (ppb) and parts per trillion (ppt) ranges. The 8900 also has the capability to run High Matrix Introduction (HMI) samples such as undiluted seawater. 

ICP-MS works by ionizing samples using argon plasma, detecting isotopic elemental concentrations using a hyperbolic quadrupole mass spectrometer, and then comparing sample concentrations to appropriate elemental standards. To learn more, please see ICP-MS as a Technique.

While most naturally occurring elements are detectable at low levels, Hydrogen, Carbon, Nitrogen, Oxygen, Fluorine, Chlorine, and noble gases are not detectable; please refer to Available Services for more details on detection limits by element.