Evaluation of low pressure inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the analysis of gaseous samples

Abstract

An alternate ion source for mass spectrometry (MS) has been developed and tested for its efficiency in ionizing gaseous samples. This work involves the use of a helium low-pressure inductively coupled plasma (ICP) MS system for the detection of halogenated gas chromatographic effluents. Its performance has been evaluated in terms of sensitivity, detection limit, linear range and reproducibility. Results show detection limits of <10 pg with a linear range of about 2–3 orders of magnitude. Repeatability tests show relative standard deviations of between 2 and 5%. Solvent effects have been investigated that show the advantages and disadvantages of venting. As an application, the gas chromatography low pressure ICP-MS system has been used for the analysis of pesticides.