Does ICP show total trace forms?

[Miami Reef]

Does ICP MS show total copper, or does it only show copper in a single form and leave the rest out?

Could the copper be higher than what it stated, kind of like free chlorine vs total chlorine?

Copper was used an example. This question is for any ICP detected element.

Thanks!

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

From a chemical form perspective, ICP of either type will equally show all forms of all elements that make it into the plasma, including any solid particulates that are not somehow removed first by filtration or centrifugation. :)

@Christoph

Christoph, are there any complexities here that I am missing?

 

[Christoph]

Randy is correct, ICP does not discriminate between chemical forms - the plasma with its extremely hot conditions breaks all chemical bonds. To discriminate chemical forms, one needs to seperate before ICP, for example using HPLC or IC systems.

Particulates should never enter such a system - both for validity of results and health of the instruments. For this reason we only measure ultrafiltrated samples.

BR,
Christoph

 

[Randy Holmes-Farley Verified Community Expert]

Thank you, Christoph. :)