Research progress and innovative applications of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in environmental monitoring

Abstract

With the acceleration of industrialization, environmental pollution issues have become increasingly severe. Environmental monitoring, as a crucial means of assessing and controlling environmental quality, is of significant importance for protecting human health and maintaining ecological balance. Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS), with its high sensitivity, wide dynamic range, and rapid multi-element analysis capabilities, has become an essential tool in the field of environmental monitoring. This paper begins with the principles and development history of ICP-MS, and provides a detailed introduction to its applications in environmental monitoring, particularly in water, soil, and sediment monitoring. Additionally, it elaborates on technological innovations and optimizations in ICP-MS, including the reduction of detection limits, improvement of sensitivity, and advancements in data processing and analysis software. These improvements demonstrate the tremendous potential of ICP-MS technology in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of environmental monitoring. Through comprehensive and in-depth analysis and discussion, this paper aims to provide scientific and effective technical support for the field of environmental monitoring, thereby promoting the development of monitoring technologies and progress in environmental protection efforts.