0472 –215 98 63 iletisim@agri.edu.tr

Central Research and Application Laboratory

ICP-MS & AAS

  • ICP-MS (Inductively Coupled Plasma - Mass Spectrometry)

    As an analytical instrument, the ICP-MS consists of two units:
    1) Inductively coupled plasma (ICP)
    2) Mass spectrometry (MS).
    After the elements in the sample to be analyzed are ionized in ICP, they are sent to mass spectroscopy, where they are separated and measured according to their mass/charge (m/z) ratios. The plasma in ICP-MS is the same as the Argon (Ar) plasma used in optical emission spectrometry. Since the first ionization energies of many elements in the periodic table are lower than the ionization energy of argon (15.76 eV), the elements turn into positive ions in the plasma. An ICP-MS device essentially has the following sections:
    v Sample sending system,
    v ICP,
    v Transmitter cones (interface cones),
    v Ion lens system,
    v Mass selector (mass filter),
    v Detector (electron multiplier tube) and
    v Vacuum system.
    ICP-MS is suitable for determining trace element concentrations directly in solution. For many elements, the detection limit is below ng/L (ppb and lower concentrations). Thanks to its ability to analyze a large number of elements simultaneously, it is widely used in qualitative analyzes and determination of isotope ratios, as well as in quantitative and semi-qualitative determinations of the majority of the elements in the periodic table, especially metallic elements.
    The working range of ICP-MS is quite wide compared to other methods. Calibration graphs between pg-mg/L can be drawn for many elements, and this allows the simultaneous analysis of many elements with different concentrations. When paired with different sample senders, ICP-MS has begun to be frequently used in the analysis of solid samples other than liquid samples (Laser Ablation-ICP-MS). Sample delivery systems that can also be paired with other techniques (hydride formation, electrothermal heating, laser fragmentation, flow injection system, various foggers, etc.) can also be used with ICP-MS. By adding chromatographic systems such as liquid chromatography (LC), ion chromatography (IC) and gas chromatography (GC) to ICP-MS, the types of elements can be determined very precisely. Currently, metal analyzes are performed on blood, urine, all tissues, fauna, flora samples, mineral, metal and soil samples, as well as foods, feeds and packaging products with the ICP-MS device. Analyzes that can be performed on the ICP-MS device are as percentages;


    Marka:  TERMOModel:  XSERIES-2

  • Working Principle:
    ICP-MS consists of two units: Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) and Mass Spectrometry (MS). After the elements in the sample are ionized in the ICP, they are sent to mass spectroscopy (MS), where they are separated and measured according to their mass/charge (m/z) ratios.
    Usage areas:
    v Weapons Industry (bullet waste, substance characterization, poisons)
    v food
    v Environment (drinking water, sea water, wastewater, solid waste, soil, sludge)
    v Clinical (blood, hair, urine)
    v Geology (soil, rock)
      Elements that can be analyzed with the ICP-MS device:
       Se, Fe, B, Ca, Mn, Cd, Zn, Cu, Ni, Cr, Pb, Sb, Na, Co, Mg, Y, Hg, Al, Sn, Au, Ag, As, Ba, Bi, Cs, Ga, Hf, Mo, Nb, Rb, Sc, Sr, Ta, Ti, V, W, Zr, La, P, Tl, K, Li, Be, Ge, Br, Ru, Rh, Pd, In, Te, I, Re, Os, Ir, Pt, Ce, Pr, Nd,Sm , Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, U, Th



  • AAS (Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy)
    Atomic Absorption Spectroscopy (AAS) is based on the principle that atoms in the gaseous state and in the fundamental energy level absorb light in the UV and visible regions. The decrease in radiation intensity is directly proportional to the concentration of the absorbing element in the environment. In atomic absorption spectroscopy, most metals and a small number of nonmetals are analyzed. In atomic absorption spectroscopy, the element is evaporated after being converted into elemental form and exposed to the beam of light coming from the source.
    It absorbs the rays coming from the light source of the same element. The aqueous sample is sprayed into a flame with an oxidizing gas mixture. Since the basic working principle of AAS is based on the principle that gaseous atoms absorb light, an atomizer is needed to convert the prepared solution into gaseous atoms. The AAS in our unit has a graphite burning system.
    A 2-3 cm long and 1 cm inner diameter tube called graphite furnace is used as an electrothermal atomizer. Heating is done with resistance wires connected to both sides of this tube. The oven can be heated gradually, if desired, up to 3000 oC using electrical resistance. It is especially preferred in the analysis of heavy metal elements as it can go down to ppb level. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry is an important tool used in elemental analysis. The sought-after elements in the sample are found by absorbing light at a wavelength specific to that element. In the cathode lamp, since the wavelength of the element sought is generally obtained by excitation of the element itself, it can give sharp results for the amounts in the sample. It is generally used for metals.
    AAS is used in chemical process laboratory analyses, as well as for compatibility analyzes in line with the limit amounts of elements that cause water pollution, soil pollution and air pollution in daily life.
    In organic and inorganic samples in our laboratory; Quantity of Na, K, Mg, Cr(III), Mo, Ca, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Al can be determined at ppm level.