Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a service/methodology that allows for the detection, identification, and quantification of metals and metalloids with high sensitivity and precision. It can analyze almost 95% of the periodic table from trace levels to much higher concentrations (ng/L – mg/L). Its main advantages over other methodologies are its high sensitivity (low detection limits) and simultaneity (multiple elements detected in the same analysis).
Most of the elements in the periodic table can be analyzed, except for H, He, C,N,O,S,F, Ne, Si, Ar,I,Br,Cl,At and the ones heavier than U.
We analyze a wide variety of biological matrices using acid digestion, including organs of fish and other animals, flour, hair, urine, blood, serum, leaves, various food items, such as oil and cookies; and non-biological matrices, such as plastics (polypropylene, polyethylene), paints, metal nanoparticles, sediments, and soils.
In short, using the ICP-MS equipment covers a wide range of applications in different areas, such as Biology, Materials Physics, Environmental studies (water, waste), and Food Geochemistry.
ICP-MS has been used to perform the following assays: control of osmosis water, presence of mercury and other metals in fish muscle, migration of metals from and to plastics, presence of toxic metals in food and paints, mineralograms in human tissues
This service is associated with CONICET’s STAN ST 2259
Lead professional: Gabriel Luti (gabriel.luti@unc.edu.ar)
Collaborators: Pablo Yunes (pabloyunes@unc.edu.ar) and Romina DiPaola (rdipaola@unc.edu.ar)
| Important notes |
- Container package: The package containing the samples must have the sender’s name, date, and indicate the service (in this case: ICP-MS).
- Notice: The email in which the sample data form is to be attached should indicate data that may be important regarding the sample (e.g., high concentration of an element or compound that could interfere with the analysis, extreme pH, high content of dissolved solids, etc.).
- Easily legible labelling: Please use simple names (preferably letters followed by consecutive numbers, e.g., M1, M2, M3, M4…).
- We suggest including a procedure blank for sample treatment/procedure. We also recommend knowing the moisture content of the samples, since the amount of each element refers to the amount of mass weighed.
- The Sample Data form must be sent by email to gabriel.luti@unc.edu.ar, pabloyunes@unc.edu.ar, or uploaded to the National Appointment System (SNEM).
Equipment reservation system SNEM
Explanation of the columns within the sample data form:
- Label: number written on the tube or bottle. Samples must be delivered with labels using consecutive numbers, packaged and conditioned to ensure their identification, integrity and conservation.
- Scan: selecting “Yes”, a semi-quantitative scan (approx. 60 elements of the periodic table) is required; it allows us to know the order of magnitude of the concentration; differences less than 50% between samples may not be detectable with confidence.
- Element (E): Element to be quantified. If quantification is not required, leave it blank.
- S: sample type
Appointment booking systemSNEM
Explanation of the columns within the sample data form
Label: number written on the tube or bottle. Samples must be delivered with labels using consecutive numbers, packaged and conditioned to ensure their identification, integrity and conservation.
Matrix: please indicate the nature of the main substance in which the elements of interest are found in the sample (e.g., osmosis water, 2% acid digestion, bean flour, fish muscle, etc.).
Scan: by selecting “Yes” requires a semi-quantitative scan (approx. 60 elements of the periodic table); it allows to know the order of magnitude of the concentration; differences less than 50% between samples may not be detectable with confidence.
Element: Element to be quantified. If quantification is not required, leave blank.