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

Determining essential nutrients, micronutrients and toxic elements in food is vital for consumer safety, regulatory compliance and nutritional labeling. Hydride forming elements benefit from vapor generation introduction to achieve lower detection limits, while non-hydride elements rely on conventional nebulization. Traditionally, laboratories must switch between two sample introduction systems, adding complexity and downtime. A unified approach promises to streamline workflows and maintain high analytical performance.

Objectives and Study Overview

This study evaluated the capability of a synchronous vertical dual view ICP-OES instrument coupled with a multimode sample introduction system to simultaneously quantify hydride forming elements (As, Se, Hg, Sn) and non-hydride elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Fe, Pb, Zn) in a fish tissue certified reference material. Key performance metrics included accuracy, precision, detection limits, linearity and overall throughput in a single analytical run.

Instrumentation Used

• Agilent 5110 Synchronous Vertical Dual View ICP-OES
• Multimode Sample Introduction System accessory operating in dual mode
• SeaSpray concentric nebulizer with 1.8 mm injector torch
• SPS 4 autosampler
• Milestone UltraWAVE Single Reaction Chamber microwave digestion system

Methodology

A certified fish tissue reference material was digested in nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide under pressurized nitrogen in a single reaction microwave chamber. The digest was acidified with hydrochloric acid and diluted to yield 5 % HNO₃ and 2.5 % HCl. The ICP-OES was configured in dual mode, combining conventional nebulization and in-line vapor generation. A pre-reduction solution of L-cysteine and tartaric acid was mixed with the sample, followed by sodium borohydride reductant to generate gaseous hydrides. Instrument parameters such as RF power, gas flows, pump speeds and read times were optimized. Calibration standards mirrored sample matrix and spanned a wide concentration range. Method detection limits were derived from multiple blank replicates.

Main Results and Discussion

• Recoveries for all elements were within ±10 % of certified or spiked values, confirming accuracy across a broad concentration span.
• Method detection limits achieved in dual mode were typically below 1 µg/L for both hydride and non-hydride elements, suitable for trace analysis.
• Calibration curves exhibited excellent linearity with correlation coefficients above 0.999 for all analytes.
• Simultaneous dual-mode operation eliminated time-consuming changes between sample introduction systems, reducing instrument downtime.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• High throughput analysis of diverse elements in a single run accelerates food safety and nutritional testing.
• Vertical torch design enhances matrix tolerance and reduces maintenance frequency.
• Lower argon consumption and simplified setup decrease operating costs.
• Versatile method supports routine quality control in food, environmental and industrial laboratories.

Future Trends and Applications

Future developments may extend dual-mode introduction to additional sample types and leverage automated sample handling to further boost productivity. Exploration of novel reductant chemistries and integration with high-resolution detection techniques could enhance sensitivity and selectivity. Continued innovation in vertical torch designs and multimode accessories will broaden the applicability of simultaneous hydride and non-hydride analysis across various sectors.

Conclusion

Utilizing a vertical dual view ICP-OES with a multimode sample introduction system in dual mode enables accurate, sensitive and efficient simultaneous determination of hydride forming and non-hydride elements. This streamlined approach simplifies workflows, boosts throughput and meets the evolving demands of modern analytical laboratories for comprehensive multi-element analysis.