Multi-Element Analysis of Air-Filters using the Agilent 5110 VDV ICP-OES

Significance of the topic

Monitoring airborne metal pollutants is essential for ensuring occupational safety and environmental compliance. Rapid, multi-element analysis of filter media supports accurate assessment of workplace air quality and adherence to international standards.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study established a routine ICP-OES protocol to quantify 44 target elements specified by HJ 777-2015, ISO 15202, and ASTM D7035-16. The method aimed to minimize analysis time and argon consumption while maintaining sensitivity and accuracy.

Methodology

Filter samples were digested via microwave-assisted acid extraction. Measurements utilized an axial plasma view on the Agilent 5110 VDV ICP-OES to achieve low detection limits. Automated background and interference corrections were implemented through Fitted Background Correction (FBC) and Fast Automated Curve-fitting Technique (FACT), eliminating extensive method development.

Instrumentation Used

• Agilent 5110 VDV ICP-OES
• AVS 7 switching valve
• SPS 4 autosampler
• Vista Chip II detector

Main Results and Discussion

Detection limits for all analytes fell well below the regulatory MDLs. Certified reference materials (QC-TMFM-D and QC-TMFM-G) showed recoveries within ±10%, as did spike recoveries for individual elements. A six-hour stability test encompassing ~350 analyses demonstrated:

• Recoveries maintained within ±10%
• Relative standard deviations under 2.1% for all elements except tellurium (4% RSD)

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Sample-to-sample analysis in 63 seconds
• Argon usage of only 21 L per sample
• Automated background and interference correction reduces setup time
• Reliable routine monitoring for industrial and environmental laboratories

Future Trends and Potential Applications

Advances may include integration with in-line sampling systems, extension to emerging airborne contaminants, and further reductions in gas consumption. Enhanced algorithms could enable adaptive interference correction and real-time monitoring capabilities.

Conclusion

The Agilent 5110 VDV ICP-OES method provides fast, accurate multi-element analysis of air filters with robust long-term stability, low resource consumption, and minimal method development requirements.

Reference

Agilent Technologies Inc. Application Brief 5994-0882EN, June 2019