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Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry |
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has become one of the most reliable analytical instruments for daily routine measurement as well as for sophisticated applications in the field of earth sciences. Its outstanding capability of rapidly analysing a fairly great number of elements of the periodic system at levels near the ppt range make it the instrument of choice. Furthermore, isotopic ratios of Lead can be determined with an accuracy of about 0.5%. Laser Ablation techniques have been developed in the recent past that allow analysis of spots as small as 5-10µm. The Geochemisches Institut at Göttingen University runs a FISONS VG PQ STE instrument with a VG UV-Microprobe laser system (266nm). CETAC DIN-100 Direct Nebulizer, CETAC DSX-100 matrix elimination device, and the MCN-100 small sample nebulizer (50µl/min) are also used for special analytical purposes. ICPMS is most often used for analysis beside RFA, ICPOES, AES, AAS, and FAAS at the Geochemisches Institut. Measurements are done for: - trace elements in rocks and minerals
- elemental composition of fluid inclusions
- element and composition of soil pore solutes
In this figure, color marked elements are those analysed routinely; detection limits range from 0.005ppb for U to 200ppb for Cl. Some of the elements with masses below 80amu have higher detection limits due to strange molecular interferences with ArO, ArN, ArCl etc.
Further resources on ICPMS: Murray's Mass Spectrometry Page: MS Groups PLASMACHEM-L listserver BBS Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation
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ICP-MS 
