ABSTRACT

It is recognized that standard ICP-MS instrumentation using a traditional sample introduction system comprising a spray chamber and nebulizer has certain limitations, particularly when it comes to the analysis of complex samples. Some of these known limitations include the following:

• Inability to analyze solids. • Contamination issues with samples requiring multiple sample preparation steps. • Liquid aerosol can impact ionization process. • Total dissolved solids must be kept below 0.2%. • If matrix has to be removed, it has to be done offline. • Long washout times required for samples with a heavy matrix. • Dilutions and addition of internal standards can be labor intensive and time

consuming. • Matrix components can generate severe spectral overlaps on many analytes. • The analysis of slurries is very difficult. • Matrix suppression can be quite severe with some samples. • Spectral interferences generated by solvent-induced species can limit detec-

tion capability. • Organic solvents can present unique problems. • Sample throughput is limited by the sample introduction process. • Not suitable for the determination of elemental species or oxidation states.