Provision of a Multi/Triple Quad Inductively Coupled Mass Spectrometer Instrument for Elemental Analysis

The University of Southampton has a well established reputation for its outstanding research and degree courses in ocean and Earth science. We are also known for our relaxed, friendly and informal atmosphere, which affords students a stimulating environment in which to learn and acquire essential scientific and key work skills.

Ocean and Earth Science students are based at the prestigious National Oceanography Centre Southampton (NOCS). NOCS is the integrated collaboration between the Southampton-based part of the National Oceanography Centre, and the University of Southampton's Ocean and Earth Science. The Centre hosts one of the world's largest groups of scientists and engineers devoted to research, teaching and technology development in ocean and Earth science.

This project is for the supply of a Multi/Triple Quad Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometer, or system with equivalent capabilities, for the Geochemistry Group of the University of Southampton based at the National Oceanography Centre Southampton. The requirements are for an instrument that will provide accurate and precise quantitative analyses of trace and major elements in a wide range of sample matrices. These will include both natural materials (for example rocks and minerals, seawater and other natural waters, and biological materials) and synthetic materials.

The ability to introduce samples in both aqueous and organic solvents along with the ability to couple with a laser ablation unit to allow micro scale sampling of solids are essential. In order to complement the existing instrument capabilities of the Geochemistry Group (Multi-collector ICP-MS, Sector Magnet ICP-MS and Single Quad ICP-MS) we are looking to procure a Multi/Triple Quad instrument capable of removing interferences (isobaric, doubly charged or molecular) which cannot be efficiently removed using conventional single Quad ICP-MS methods.