Simultaneous determination of hydride and non-hydride elements in fish samples using the Agilent 5110 SVDV ICP-OES with MSIS accessory

Significance of the Topic

Testing food products for both essential and toxic elements is critical for quality control and regulatory compliance. Combining hydride and non-hydride element analysis into a single run improves laboratory throughput and reduces instrument downtime.

Objectives and Study Overview

The study aimed to demonstrate the simultaneous quantification of hydride-forming elements (As, Se, Hg, Sn) and non-hydride elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Zn) in fish tissue using the Agilent 5110 SVDV ICP-OES equipped with the Multi-Mode Sample Introduction System (MSIS). A certified reference material (DORM-4) was used to assess accuracy, precision, detection limits, and linearity.

Methodology

Sample preparation involved microwave digestion of 0.2 g CRM with HNO3 and H2O2 in a sealed single reaction chamber at 200 °C, followed by dilution in a 5 % HNO3/2.5 % HCl matrix. Hydride generation used in-line mixing of a L-Cysteine/tartaric acid pre-reduction solution and a NaBH4/NaOH reductant. The MSIS operated in dual mode, feeding streams to both a conventional nebulizer and vapor generation accessory.

Instrumentation

• Agilent 5110 Synchronous Vertical Dual View ICP-OES
• Multi-Mode Sample Introduction System (MSIS) in dual mode
• SPS 4 autosampler
• SeaSpray nebulizer with 1.8 mm injector torch
• Milestone UltraWAVE Single Reaction Chamber microwave system

Main Results and Discussion

Recoveries for all analytes were within ±10 % of certified values, including spiked Sn and Pb at trace levels. Method detection limits ranged from 0.01 to 0.97 µg/L, enabling sensitive quantification. Calibration curves over 0–100 µg/L exhibited correlation coefficients above 0.999. Dual-mode MSIS operation eliminated sample introduction changes without compromising performance.

Contributions and Practical Applications

• Streamlined multi-element analysis reduces run times and labor.
• High sensitivity for hydride-forming elements in complex food matrices.
• Robust vertical torch design improves matrix tolerance and lowers maintenance.
• Suitable for high-throughput food safety laboratories requiring both vapor generation and nebulization.

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Further refinement of reductant and pre-reduction chemistry may lower detection limits even further. The dual introduction concept could be expanded to other vapor-generating analytes and interfaced with mass spectrometry. Development of automated or miniaturized MSIS units may enable on-line monitoring and field-deployable systems.

Conclusion

The Agilent 5110 SVDV ICP-OES with MSIS in dual mode delivers accurate, precise, and efficient simultaneous analysis of hydride and non-hydride elements in fish tissue. This combined approach simplifies workflow, reduces downtime, and meets the throughput demands of modern food testing laboratories.

References

• Drvodelic N. Simultaneous determination of hydride and non-hydride elements in fish samples using the Agilent 5110 SVDV ICP-OES with MSIS. Agilent Technologies, 2017. Publication 5991-7788EN.