ICP specializes in analysing metals and minerals. With this device, we can effectively and precisely determine the identity and quantity of any metal present in a sample, be it iron, magnesium, lead, mercury, or boron. The process to test for these metals is much more straightforward than it would be on the HPLC or LC/MS.
With an ICP-OES, a sample flows into a plasma torch, where it is incinerated into atomized particles. Electrons of the atomized sample go through different levels of energy and by doing so, the atoms emit light; that light is analysed for meaningful information.
We use it to detect contamination by low-level trace metals—including mercury, arsenic, lead, and cadmium. These contaminants permeate the Earth’s crust and can be especially present in foodstuff grown in the ground or any items originating from the earth.
Essentially, the only remnants of an atomized sample will be any residual metals, which we are then able to detect. This makes methods developed to test metals easier to run for on the ICP.
Here is an ICP screenshot of the spectral view of cadmium.
Additional info web search – need to check what is good from here 🙂
Inductively coupled plasma-optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES) is a versatile analysis technique that provides qualitative and quantitative data on elemental composition. ICP-OES is used across a variety of industries, ranging from food and drink to petrochemicals, pharmaceuticals, and forensic science.
Additional info CHATGPT – need to check 🙂
Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-OES) is a powerful analytical technique used for the qualitative and quantitative analysis of elements in a wide range of samples. Here are the key aspects of ICP-OES as an analytical tool:
- Principle:
- ICP-OES operates on the principle of using an inductively coupled plasma (ICP) as the ionization source.
- The sample is introduced into the ICP, where it is atomized, ionized, and excited to emit characteristic wavelengths of light.
- The emitted light is then dispersed and detected using a spectrometer, allowing for the identification and quantification of elements present in the sample.
- Instrumentation:
- ICP-OES instruments consist of three main components: an ICP source, an optical system, and a detector.
- The ICP source generates a high-temperature plasma (up to 10,000 K) for efficient atomization and ionization of the sample.
- The optical system disperses the emitted light, and the detector measures the intensity at specific wavelengths.
- Advantages of ICP-OES:
- Multi-Element Analysis: ICP-OES allows simultaneous analysis of multiple elements in a sample, making it suitable for elemental profiling.
- Wide Dynamic Range: It has a wide dynamic range, allowing for the analysis of trace elements as well as major constituents.
- High Sensitivity: ICP-OES is highly sensitive, capable of detecting elements at low concentrations.
- Precision and Accuracy: It provides high precision and accuracy in quantitative analysis.
- Applications:
- ICP-OES is widely used in environmental analysis, geochemistry, metallurgy, pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and various industrial applications.
- It is commonly employed for the analysis of metals in soil, water, biological samples, alloys, and geological samples.
- Sample Preparation:
- Sample preparation for ICP-OES involves converting the sample into a suitable form, such as a liquid solution.
- Acid digestion, fusion, or other sample preparation techniques may be employed depending on the nature of the sample.
- Calibration and Standardization:
- Calibration curves are established using standard reference materials with known concentrations of the elements of interest.
- Internal standards or matrix-matched standards may be used to correct for matrix effects.
- Quantification:
- Quantification is achieved by comparing the intensity of the emitted light to the calibration curve.
- Internal or external calibration methods are commonly used.
- Detection Limits:
- ICP-OES can achieve low detection limits, allowing for the analysis of trace elements in complex matrices.
- Routine Analysis:
- The speed and efficiency of ICP-OES make it suitable for routine analysis in quality control laboratories and industrial settings.
In summary, ICP-OES is a versatile and widely used analytical tool for the determination of elemental composition in diverse samples. Its ability to provide simultaneous multi-element analysis, high sensitivity, and wide dynamic range contribute to its popularity in various scientific and industrial fields.
