Excellent choices for environmental applications

Importance of the Topic
Analytical laboratories face increasing demands to screen complex, high-matrix environmental, food, and industrial samples for hundreds of target compounds with high throughput and minimal sample prep. Matrix interferences, limited dynamic range, method transfer, and instrument downtime pose major challenges.

Objectives and Study Overview
Agilent Technologies has developed hardware and software innovations across GC, LC, and ICP-MS platforms to extend dynamic range, reduce matrix effects, and simplify method transfer. Key advances include the Integrated Sample Introduction System (ISIS), High Matrix Introduction (HMI), octopole reaction system (ORS), capillary flow technology (CFT), retention time locking (RTL), method translation, and Lab Monitor & Diagnostic (LMD) software. Multiple application studies demonstrate these improvements.

Methods and Instrumentation
The studies employed:

• Agilent 7500 Series ICP-MS with ORS in helium and hydrogen modes plus ISIS for direct solvent uptake and autodilution.
• Agilent 7890/5975 GC-MS systems with second peristaltic pump, HMI accessory, CFT tee backflush, and split/splitless inlet.
• Agilent 1200 Series Rapid Resolution LC-MS with sub-2-µm columns and alternating column regeneration.
• Software features including RTL calibration, method translation, synchronous SIM/scan, and LMD real-time monitoring.

Results and Discussion
• ICP-MS ORS helium mode removed polyatomic interferences to sub-ppt BEC and hydrogen mode attenuated high-count matrix elements, extending dynamic range downward for trace elements (e.g., Se) and upward for major elements (e.g., Na, Ca) by 10× without sample dilution.
• ICP-MS ISIS enabled direct undiluted analysis of high-matrix samples, eliminating solvent dilution and reducing sample prep. HMI allowed direct measurement of soils without dilution with equal or better MDLs.
• GC-MS second peristaltic pump and HMI reduced plasma overloading and carryover in ICP-MS, while CFT backflush in GC-MS and GC-MS/µECD/DFPD with 3-way splitters achieved rapid analyte screening and high selectivity.
• RTL and method translation precisely scaled and transferred GC and GC-MS methods across instruments, retaining retention time alignment (±0.01-0.05 min) and calibration linearity. Scale factors of 1×, 3×, and 7× were demonstrated.
• Agilent 1200 RRLC with 1.8-µm columns achieved sub-30-sec GC-MS cycle times with peak capacities ~50 and retention time precision <0.1% RSD.

Benefits and Practical Applications

• Single-run ICP-MS assays for both ultra-trace and high-concentration elements in high-matrix samples.
• Reduced sample prep, fewer dilutions, and lower contamination risk.
• Increased GC and LC throughput via backflush, alternating column regeneration, and rapid temperature control.
• Consistent method transfer and rapid deployment across multiple labs.
• Automated system diagnostics, maintenance alerts, and data analysis with LMD software.

Future Trends and Applications
Next-generation solutions will integrate machine learning for adaptive method optimization and predictive maintenance, cloud-based remote monitoring, and further miniaturization with microfluidic separations. Expanded ORS gas chemistries and broader RTL libraries will enable true plug-and-play method scaling for any separation platform.

Conclusion
Agilent’s integrated approach combining ISIS, HMI, ORS, CFT, RTL, method translation, and high-performance LC-MS and GC-MS instruments delivers unprecedented sample throughput, robust high-matrix performance, and extended dynamic range in environmental and high-throughput applications.

References

• Application Note 5989-0870EN, “Real World Analysis of Trace Metals in Drinking Water using the Agilent 7500ce ICP-MS with Enhanced ORS Technology.”
• Application Note 5989-0915EN, “Analysis of High Matrix Environmental Samples with the Agilent 7500ce ICP-MS with Enhanced ORS Technology.”
• Application Note 5989-6460EN, “Analysis of Suspected Flavors and Fragrance Allergens in Cosmetics Using the 7890A GC with Column Backflush.”
• Application Note 5989-7601EN, “GC/MS Analysis of PCBs in Waste Oil Using the Backflush Capability of Agilent QuickSwap Accessory.”
• Application Note 5989-3831EN, “Agilent High Matrix Introduction System for ICP-MS.”
• Application Note 5989-2831EN, “Rapid GC Analysis with the Agilent 1100 Series LC Alternating Column Regeneration Accessory.”