Novel Possibilities for Interference Removal using Multi-Quadrupole ICP-MS

Helmut Ernstberger, PerkinElmer, Milano, Italy (helmut.ernstberger@perkinelmer.com)
Ewa Pruszkowski, Perkinelmer, Shelton, Usa
Chady Stephan, Perkinelmer, Woodbridge, Canada

As the technique of ICP-MS has evolved over the years substantial improvements in interference removal capabilities have been progressively introduced. This contribution reviews the types of spectral interferences encountered, and discusses the strategies to address and eliminate them, placing special emphasis on the novel capabilities offered by latest Multi-Quadrupole instrumentation. Examples of spectral interference removal in both on-mass and mass-shift modes are provided, and elements with analytical potential for interference removal via cluster formation using pure reaction gases are identified.

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Short Biography of Presenting Author

Trained as an analytical chemist, he started his career (PhD and post-doc) with environmental analysis (trace metals and nutrients), worked subsequently as Project Engineer for R&D and Environmental Technology in an engineering company in the mining sector (Dorfner Anzaplan), before taking a position as Lecturer, Associate Research Scientist, and Analytical Laboratory Manager in the School of Forestry and Environmental Studies at Yale University, USA (2005-2014). He started at PerkinElmer in 2014 as Senior Scientist, focusing on inorganic speciation for applications development using hyphenated ICP-MS techniques. He subsequently moved into the position of Senior Technical Specialist – Inorganic and Food. In 2016 he transferred to the UK as Application Scientist – ICP-MS. Since 2017 he works out of the Milan, Italy office as Field Application Specialist Inorganic for EMEA Export, Israel, and Spain/PT.