Canadian Journal of Pure & Applied Sciences

Abstract: Traditional ICP-MS has evolved into more sophisticated instrumental methods of analysis particularly with the fusion of modern facilities to the host instrument such as laser ablation (LA-ICP-MS) and liquid chromatography (HPLC-ICPMS). These advanced methods of analysis have led to the development of a collective trio of powerful analytical tools for deployment in diverse challenging applications. Many of these applications are associated with the detection of trace elements and chemical species in a variety of matrices such as: reservoir cores, metal coatings, asphaltenes, crude oil, pharmaceuticals, gels and waxes. Lower limits of detection at levels in the ng/L (parts per trillion) range are attainable; and miniscule sample volumes (~50 ?L) can be used for aqueous analysis. These allied techniques have been widely applied in the petrochemical sector and in other areas such as forensic science, biomedicine, environmental science, corrosion studies, geology, food science and agriculture. The main advantages of these methods are: multi-elemental; high sample throughput; isotopic detection; sample speciation; depth-profiling; and surface analysis. This paper is a review of the breadth and depth of selected applications in these areas and some of the strengths and limitations encountered