Purchase of an inductively-coupled plasma mass spectrometer

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We propose to purchase an inductively-coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (ICP-MS). An ICP-MS is an analytical instrument that can determine many elements at low concentrations, below one microgram per litre (1 ppb). We currently have a 14 yr-old Agilent HP4500 ICP-MS. Since installation in 1997, it has been widely used by many researchers and students from the University of Ottawa and Carleton University; over 60 students in the last 6 yrs alone. The instrument has started to show aging, with unstable plasma signals; the manufacturer no longer supports the instrument and does not supply parts. More importantly, many of our projects require an ICP-MS with better capabilities, such as the reducion of interfering molecules, a better tolerance for salts and organic solvents. The new ICP-MS has these improved analytical capabilities to conduct projects listed below.