Use of the Agilent Multimode Sample Introduction System (MSIS) for Simultaneous Hydride Determination and Conventional Nebulization Using the PerkinElmer Optima 7/8x00 Series ICP-OES Systems

Significance of the topic

Trace determination of hydride-forming elements such as arsenic, selenium and mercury alongside routine metals is essential for environmental monitoring, food safety and industrial quality control. Hydride and cold vapor generation combined with ICP-OES improves sensitivity and reduces matrix interferences by introducing volatile species directly into the plasma. However, switching between conventional nebulization and vapor generation accessories typically requires instrument downtime and dedicated hardware, limiting laboratory productivity.

Objectives and study overview

This application study evaluates the Agilent Multimode Sample Introduction System (MSIS) integrated with a PerkinElmer Optima 7300 DV ICP-OES. The primary aim is to demonstrate simultaneous hydride generation and conventional nebulization without reconfiguring the instrument, validating analytical performance over a wide concentration range and comparing it with conventional spray chambers and nebulizers.

Methodology and instrumentation

The PerkinElmer Optima 7300 DV ICP-OES was operated in axial view with a demountable torch and 2.0 mm alumina injector. Plasma power was set to 1,500 W with argon flows of 18 L/min (plasma), 0.2 L/min (auxiliary) and 0.5 L/min (nebulizer). The Agilent MSIS accessory carries three introduction modes: conventional nebulization, thin-film hydride generation and simultaneous dual introduction. An Agilent OneNeb Series 2 inert concentric nebulizer and a Gilson Minipuls3 peristaltic pump delivered sample, reductant and waste lines. Calibration used six multielement standards in 50 % HCl, and NIST SRM 1643f served as the validation matrix. Hydride generation employed 1 % NaBH₄ in 0.5 % NaOH as reductant.

Main results and discussion

Limits of detection for As, Se and Hg using simultaneous vapor generation were improved to low single-digit µg/L levels and outperformed conventional nebulization by up to an order of magnitude. The OneNeb Series 2 nebulizer provided up to three times greater sensitivity than a conventional glass concentric nebulizer for both hydride and routine elements. Precision was excellent, with relative standard deviations below 1 % for most elements at concentrations ≤ 0.25 mg/L. Recoveries for 18 elements in NIST SRM 1643f were within ±10 % of certified values, and spike recoveries for hydride-forming elements ranged from 98 % to 100 %. In conventional nebulization mode, the MSIS achieved detection limits comparable to or better than those from single- and double-pass glass cyclonic spray chambers.

Benefits and practical applications of the method

• Eliminates instrument downtime for accessory changes by supporting three modes on a single spray chamber
• Improves lab productivity through faster setup and reduced sample digest requirements
• Delivers high sensitivity and low detection limits for trace hydride-forming and routine elements
• Ensures accurate quantitation with robust precision and recovery in complex matrices

Future trends and potential applications

Integration of multimode introduction systems is expected to expand toward full automation, coupling with advanced detector technologies and miniaturized sampling devices. Broader application to additional volatile elements, speciation analysis and hyphenation with chromatography will further enhance throughput and analytical scope in environmental, food and pharmaceutical testing.

Conclusion

The Agilent MSIS accessory on a PerkinElmer Optima 7300 DV ICP-OES offers unmatched flexibility by enabling conventional nebulization, hydride generation and simultaneous analysis without reconfiguration. It provides superior sensitivity, robust precision and accurate recoveries for a wide range of elements, streamlining workflows and maximizing laboratory efficiency.

References

• Amorin A. Evaluating the performance of the OneNeb Series 2 Nebulizer with PerkinElmer Optima 7/8x00 Series ICP-OES systems, Agilent Technologies Competitive Comparison, publication 5991-6664EN (2016).
• Cauduro J. Simultaneous analysis of hydride and non-hydride-forming elements via ICP-OES, Agilent Technologies White Paper, publication 5991-6445EN (2016).