Modern Interference Correction including Cell-based Technology for ICP-MS Environmental Analyses

ICP-MS has become increasingly popular for environmental analyses because of the low detection limits and ability to measure a large number of elements very quickly. In addition, ICP-MS offers the ability for isotope ratio measurements and is an excellent detector for speciated inorganic analyses.

Interferences are problematic in most instrumental analytical techniques. Depending on the matrix, interference effects may be mild or severe. In most cases, some type of compensation is available to minimize the effect of interferences. The nature of interferences problematic in ICP-MS are discussed. The historical forms of interference compensation are described and the benefits of modern cell-based technology are presented.