ICP-QQQ-MS

In 2017, we installed an Agilent 8800 Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS for high stability and high sensitivity determinations of trace elements, principally in marine carbonates. The triple quadrupole allows a two stage mass selection, both before and after a collision/reaction cell, enabling a new level of selectivity in the elimination of polyatomic interferences. We are exploiting this capacity in speleothems to obtain high throughput measurements of the low concentration of sulfur in stalagmites, a proxy which up to now, has had only limited application.

Coupling of the ICP-MS with a laser ablation system enables high precision trace element profiling across seasonal cycles in stalagmites. The instrument is also ideal for determination of trace elements (Mg/Ca, Sr/Ca, B/Ca, etc.) in planktonic and benthic foraminifera.