Inductively coupled plasma isotope interferences

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Crain, J. S. and Alvarado, J., Hydride interference on the determination of minor actinide isotopes by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry,. /. Anal. At. Spectrom., 9, 1223-1227, 1994. 

The table below lists some common spectral interferences that are encountered in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), as well as the resolution that is necessary to analyze them.1 The resolution is presented as a dimensionless ratio. As an example, the relative molecular mass (RMM) of the polyatomic ion 15N160+would be 15.000108 + 15.994915 = 30.995023. This would interfere with 31P at a mass of 30.973762. The required resolution would be RMM/8RMM, or 30.973762/0.021261 = 1457. One should bear in mind that as resolution increases, the sensitivity decreases with subsequent effects on the price of the instrument. Note that small differences exist in the published exact masses of isotopes, but for the calculation of the required resolution, these differences are trivial. Moreover, recent instrumentation has provided rapid, high-resolution mass spectra with an uncertainty of less than 0.01%. 

Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry ICP-MS has been accepted as a powerful technique for elemental and isotopic analysis [21D25]. It is characterized by a linear dynamic range of Eve to six orders of magnitude, rapid multielemental analysis, comparative freedom from spectral interferences, and LoDs in the range of 10D100 pg mL-1 for most elements. This makes it ideal for the multielemental analysis of food samples on a routine basis. 

Despite the development of sophisticated instrumentation and techniques, the accurate determination of boron in biological materials is difficult at concentrations less than 1.0 mg B/kg. Problems associated with analysis of boron from biological sources include contamination from teflon vessels during microwave digestion losses due to freeze-drying variations in boron isotope ratios, standards preparation, and reagent backgrounds and instrumental interference. Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry now... 

Inductively coupled plasma (ICP) ionization has currently assumed a more prominent role in the field of elemental and isotopic analysis [1,2,14]. It is apphcable to solid-state as well as to solution-phase samples. A plasma is defined as a form of matter that contains a significant concentration of ions and electrons. The heart of this technique is a plasma torch, first developed as an efficient source for optical emission spectroscopy (OES) [15,16]. Multielement analysis with OES has, however, some serious shortcomings, such as complicated spectra, spectral interferences, high background levels, and inadequate detection of some rare-earth and heavy elements. The high ionization efficiency (>90%) of ICP for most elements is an attractive feature for its coupling to mass spectrometry. 

See also Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Interferences and Background Correction. Atomic Emission Spectrometry Principles and Instrumentation Interferences and Background Correction Flame Photometry Inductively Coupled Plasma Microwave-Induced Plasma. Atomic Mass Spectrometry Inductively Coupled Plasma Laser Microprobe. Countercurrent Chromatography Solvent Extraction with a Helical Column. Derivatization of Analytes. Elemental Speciation Overview Practicalities and Instrumentation. Extraction Solvent Extraction Principles Solvent Extraction Multistage Countercurrent Distribution Microwave-Assisted Solvent Extraction Pressurized Fluid Extraction Solid-Phase Extraction Solid-Phase Microextraction. Gas Chromatography Ovenriew. Isotope Dilution Analysis. Liquid Chromatography Ovenriew. 

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