Intelligent Analysis of Samples by Semiquantitative Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS) Technique: A Review

Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is a popular and routine analytical method that has been used for determination of trace elements since the 1980s. It provides fast quantitative analysis and allows the determination of more than 70 elements with good accuracy and very low detection limits, but requires an intricate calibration procedure. In analyses of samples for which very low detection limits are not required a semiquantitative ICP-MS analysis mode can be used. This approach is more time- and cost-effective, and it uses a simple calibration procedure. This article presents a critical review of the semiquantitative (SQ) mode of ICP-MS and describes current and future applications of SQ analysis.