Colorado School of Mines Uses a NexION 300Q ICP-MS to Obtain a Better Understanding of the Environmental Impact of Engineered Nanomaterials

This case study presents Dr. Ranville of the Colorado School of Mines research in the area of nanoparticle sensitivity and specificity involving the use of ICP mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Because of its trace element capability, and extremely low detection limits, the technique is ideally suited to the characterization of ENPs, containing elements such as Ag, Au, Ti and Fe, which have been integrated into larger products such as consumer goods, foods, pesticides, pharmaceuticals, and personal care products. The ubiquitous use of goods containing these nanomaterials will inevitably lead to environmental releases, which may be studied and quantified using state-of-the-art ICP-MS technology, such as PerkinElmer’s NexION® 300Q system, which was acquired recently.