Routine Analysis of Rare Earth Elements in Basalt using ICP-MS

Significance of the Topic

Routine and precise measurement of Rare Earth Elements (REEs) in basalt is critical for geochemical research, resource evaluation, and advanced industrial applications. Basalt’s complex matrix and potential polyatomic interferences demand robust analytical solutions.

Study Objectives and Overview

This study demonstrates a complete workflow using Agilent 7850 ICP-MS in helium collision mode for quantifying 14 lanthanides and two actinides in the basalt certified reference material MBL-1 (CGL-007). The goal was to achieve accurate, precise, and stable results under routine, high-throughput conditions.

Methodology and Instrumentation

Basalt samples underwent microwave digestion with ammonium fluoride, nitric and hydrochloric acids. Calibration covered 0.01–40 µg/L, using rhodium (1 mg/L) as an internal standard. Instrument setup employed the General Purpose preset and automated lens tuning in Agilent ICP-MS MassHunter software.

• Instrument: Agilent 7850 ICP-MS
• Collision cell: ORS4 in helium KED mode
• Autosampler: Agilent SPS 4
• Interface: PFA inert kit, platinum cones
• Digestion: Milestone microwave system with optimized temperature program

Key Results and Discussion

Instrument detection limits after 500× dilution were well below certified values. Internal standard recoveries remained within ±20% over 70 analyses, indicating robust plasma and minimal matrix deposition. Certified element recoveries ranged from 91% to 101% with RSDs under 5%. QC checks at 0.10 and 1.0 µg/L showed drift below 4% after three hours, confirming long-term stability.

Benefits and Practical Applications

The single-cell helium KED approach offers fast, interference-free multi-element analysis with minimal setup. Preset methods and automated tuning reduce operator effort, supporting high-throughput geochemical screening, environmental monitoring, and QA/QC in mining and materials industries.

Future Trends and Opportunities

Advances may include coupling with laser ablation for spatially resolved analysis, exploring alternative collision gases for enhanced interference removal, and integrating machine learning for automated data interpretation. The method can be extended to diverse geological matrices and isotopic studies.

Conclusion

The Agilent 7850 ICP-MS in helium KED mode reliably quantifies REEs and actinides in basalt, delivering accurate, precise, and stable results in a streamlined workflow suited for routine, high-throughput laboratories.

References

• 1. Sugiyama N., Woods G. Direct Measurement of Trace REEs in High-Purity Oxides. Agilent Technologies, 2026.
• 2. Sakai T., Wilbur S. Ultra-Trace ICP-MS Analysis of Metals in Mineral Reference Materials. Agilent Technologies, 2026.
• 3. Resolving REE2+ Overlaps on Arsenic and Selenium With Hydrogen Cell Gas. Agilent Technologies, 2026.
• 4. Lee S.-G., Ko K.-S. Development of an Analytical Method for Accurate and Precise Determination of Rare Earth Element Concentrations in Geological Materials. Frontiers in Chemistry, 2023, 10.
• 5. Addali S., et al. Improving Instrumental Neutron Activation Analysis Detection Limit Using Monte Carlo Simulation for Lanthanides Determination in Algerian Phosphate. Int. J. Environ. Anal. Chem., 2024.
• 6. Snow M.S., Makishima A. Thermal Ionization Mass Spectrometry (TIMS): Silicate Digestion, Separation, and Measurement. Analytical and Bioanalytical Chemistry, 2017, 409, 1163–1164.
• 7. Miliszkiewicz N., et al. Current Approaches to Calibration of LA-ICP-MS Analysis. Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry, 2015, 30, 327.
• 8. Enhanced Helium Collision Mode with Agilent ORS4 Cell. Agilent Technologies, 2026.
• 9. Unmatched Removal of Spectral Interferences in ICP-MS Using the Agilent Octopole Reaction System with Helium Collision Mode. Agilent Technologies, 2026.
• 10. Agilent ICP-MS IntelliQuant Analysis. Agilent Technologies, 2026.
• 11. Central Geological Laboratory. Reference Material Catalogue, Basalt MBL-1 (CGL-007). Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, 2026.