Links to Related Sites

Compound Lists

Phase Facts:

Speciation of Metals: Chromium

New Approach to Soil Handling for Volatiles

Sampling Volatiles In Soil by 5035

MTBE - The Next Challenge

Utilizing TPH Methods Effectively

TPH Method Overlap

Specific Petroleum Compound Testing

TPH 1664 vs. 413.1 and 418.1

TCLP vs. SPLP Extraction Procedures

Analyzing for Metals by ICP/MS

ICP/MS Qualitative All Elements Scan

Phase Separation Science offers its clients the latest technology for metals analysis. Since 1995, PSS has been utilizing ICP/MS as it’s primary technique for metals analysis. PSS was the first environmental laboratory in Maryland and one of the first in the United States to become certified for this exciting technology. The advantages of the ICP/MS are numerous. This instrument offers: very low detection limits, relative freedom from spectral and chemical interferences, broad elemental coverage, high sample throughput, and simultaneous multiple element capability.

With this instrument, elements are identified and quatitated based on the isotope masses that make up the individual metal, not simply an absorbance range as with traditional AA or ICP analyses. For example, when determining lead, four individual isotopes are analyzed, which occurs at different abundances. An all elements acquisition for more than 75 elements (with detection limits well below parts per billion levels) can be carried out in less than 90 seconds. This means that a qualitative analysis of an unknown solution can be obtained within 2 minutes of aspiration of the sample into the instrument. The ICP/MS will allow PSS to keep pace with expected regulatory trends toward lower permissible contaminate levels.

The ICP/MS has the advantage of being both multi-element and a very sensitive technique. With EPA’s approval of 200.8 and 6020 (for ICP-MS), all elemental analyses can be run on a single instrument. Prior to the introduction of this technology, the eight RCRA metals in a TCLP analysis had to be run on three separate instruments. The ICP-MS allows all eight determinations to be run on the same instrument. This instrument offers lower limits of detection for all elements, including those often run by graphite furnace atomic absorption (As, Se, Tl, Sb, Pb and Hg).

The ICP/MS is now considered to be a routine environmental production tool by the EPA. The following summarizes the current approvals: