ICP-MS, which can measure multiple elements simultaneously with high sensitivity, is used in many environmental laboratories to quantify hazardous elements in environmental samples. As environmental laboratories often need to analyze many samples on a daily basis, it is very important to increase the efficiency of work and reduce the demands on lab staff through automation. To improve workflow efficiency, a new application for environmental analysis of drinking waters through to soils is described.

In this application, a new online autodilution system, Advanced Dilution System 2 (ADS 2), for ICP-MS and ICP-OES was utilized.

The ADS 2 consists of three main functions. The first is the ability to make calibration curves from a single stock solution, which significantly reduces the preparation time for standard solutions. The second is the ability to automatically dilute samples directly prior to measurement, reducing the preparation time for samples with high matrix concentrations such as sediments and soils. The third is the ability to automatically dilute and re-measure samples immediately when the concentration of target elements exceed a user-defined concentration or the internal standard elements exhibits suppression or enhancement. The ADS 2 makes it possible to prevent post-analysis rework by avoiding manual dilution of affected samples. The ADS 2 not only reduces manual labor, but also avoids the risk of human error and contamination, further improving laboratory productivity. This poster will also report on the evaluation of dilution accuracy and long-term stability using reference materials.