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Applied Speciation offers trace metals analysis following standard methods and a conventional Inductively coupled plasma – mass spectrometry. In addition, we utilize an ICP-MS equipped with dynamic reaction cell (DRC) technology and clean sample handling techniques to accurately determine arsenic, selenium, iron, chromium, cadmium, lead and various other elements with previously unattainable detection limits. With Dynamic Reaction Cell technology, most polyatomic interferences are reduced to near background levels resulting in dramatic improvements in detection limits and a reduction in biased results. Contact us to find out how we can save you money for Trace Metals Analysis!

What is Dynamic Reaction Cell Technology:

The DRC is a quadrupole enclosed within a reaction chamber (or cell) that is between the ion lens system and the analyzing quadrupole. A reactive gas such as NH 3 is introduced into the cell. The gas reacts with the ion beam through a number of ion-molecule reaction mechanisms, converting the interfering ions into species that will not interfere with the analyte. The analyte of interest, under the same conditions, remains stable and is able to proceed to the detector. This cleansing process is known as “chemical resolution” (1, 2). Go to Top

Application to Trace Metals Analysis:

The determination of trace elements in difficult matrices by ICP-MS is a difficult task because of low analyte concentrations and high matrix effects. Formation of various polyatomic species in the plasma limits the determination of various elements (Cr, V, As, Fe, Al, Se etc.) (see Table 1). With matrices that are high in dissolved solids can cause cone clogging and drift problems. In order to reduce these interferences and to decrease the amount of dissolved solids introduced into the plasma, dilution of the sample is generally required before analysis. This, as a result, increases the detection limits. The DRC technology can remove these interferences lowering the detection limits and eliminating false positives. For instance, we can achieve detection limits around 0.01 ppb for arsenic and 0.1 ppb for iron which is almost two orders of magnitude lower than most conventional ICP-MS instruments can offer. Please contact us for our list of analytes and the detection limits we can provide for them.

Table 1. Various analytes and common interferences that affect them.

Analyte	Interference	Source
Chromium (52Cr)	40Ar12C+	Carbon
Chromium (53Cr)	37Cl16O+	Chlorine
Arsenic (75As)	40Ar35Cl+ , 40Ca35Cl+	Chlorine, Calcium
Selenium (78Se)	40Ar38Ar+, 38Ar40Ca+	Argon (plasma gas), Calcium
Selenium (80Se)	40Ar40Ar+, 32S16O3+, 40Ar40Ca+	Argon (plasma gas), Sulfur, Calcium
Selenium (82Se)	81Br1H+, 34S16O3+	Bromine, Sulfur
Iron (54Fe)	40Ar14N+, 37Cl16O1H+, 38Ar16O+	Nitrogen, Chlorine, Argon (plasma gas)
Iron (56Fe)	40Ar16O+, 40Ca16O+	Argon (plasma gas), Calcium

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Experience:

Our scientists have been collaborating with PerkinElmer on the DRC technology since its first introduction to the market. Dr. Hakan Gürleyük has developed a variety of methods using this technology and presented his findings at prestigious conferences and PerkinElmer ICP-MS User Meetings and recently published an article at the Spectroscopy magazine describing ultra-trace determination of arsenic, selenium and various metals in rain waters. We use our experience to apply the DRC technology to provide better detection limits and more accurate results to our clients.

 

• S. D. Tanner, V. I. Baranov, Atomic Spectroscopy, 20, 2, 45-52, (1999)
• K. Kawabata Y. Kishi, and R. Thomas, Analytical Chemistry, Vol. 75, No. 9, 423A, (2003)

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If you have any questions regarding services or would like a quotation, please feel free to email us at info@appliedspeciation.com or call (425) 483-3300.

Feel free to visit our website on a regular basis as we will be providing scientific discussions and useful links to save you time and money.

Copyright © 2005, Applied Speciation and Consulting, LLC