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Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry (ICP-MS)

The platform includes a mass spectrometry suite equipped with state-of-the-art ICP mass spectrometers, an ultra-clean laboratory, and rooms for sample preparation and data processing.
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Our services

The ICP-MS platform is part of the Advanced Geochemical Facilities at the University of Western Australia, dedicated to providing analytical and research support for characterising the elemental and isotopic composition of various materials.

Our laboratory is equipped to undertake advanced and complex geochemical studies of your samples, supported by our highly skilled personnel with over 60 years of combined ICP-MS experience, top-of-the-line mass spectrometers, and comprehensive sample preparation capabilities.

Compositional and isotopic characterisation can be conducted in ‘solution mode’ or ‘in-situ’ using our laser ablation systems. We continuously expand our services in advanced geochemistry and currently specialise in the following areas:

Rock characterisation: suites of trace elements with best available on the market detection levels

Base metals analyses: Cu, Ni, Sn and any other transitional elements

Energy minerals analyses: Li, K, Th, Rb, Cs, and the REEs

Precious metals analyses: Au, Ag and the platinum group elements

Environmental monitoring: site remediation geochemistry, acid rock drainage, heavy metals pollution

Surface and ground water monitoring: water sourcing, tracing natural and anthropogenic effects on water quality

Marine and brackish water pollution: trace metal and heavy metal analyses

Geochemistry of marine and terrestrial carbonates: research in climate change and ocean acidification

Zircon U-Pb geochronology: dating rock formation using detrital and magmatic zircons

Accessory minerals U-Pb geochronology: apatite, monazite, rutile, titanite U-Pb dating 

Rb-Sr geochronology on mica minerals or K rich phases like K-feldspar, illite, glauconite

Sm-Nd, Lu-Hf, Pb geochronology using different minerals or bulk rock samples 

Sr, U, B and Li isotopes systems: tracing dynamic and evolution of ground waters

Mg, Ca, S, K isotopes systems: geoscience applications and research in agriculture sector

Why choose us?

We provide comprehensive support for your projects from the early stages of design and optimisation of analytical components to the implementation of analyses, data processing, and interpretation.
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Our techniques

Technician fixing Thermo iCap TQ

Thermo iCapTQ

Thermo iCap TQ is a versatile mass spectrometer for trace metal analysis. In combination with QTEGRA software, it provides easy-to-learn access to advanced mass spectrometry. This ICP-MS is capable of handling high-matrix samples (such as brine and seawater) and features a collision cell and innovative MS-MS capabilities to perform ‘mass-shift’ analysis for analytes with challenging mass interferences. In our laboratory lineup, the iCap TQ is used for routine trace element analysis in solution and laser modes, as well as for Rb-Sr geochronology.
Research Associate preparing sample

Laser Ablation Systems for In-Situ Geochemistry

Over the last decade, laser ablation has become one of the most widely used methods for elemental and isotopic characterisation of geological samples. Our laboratory hosts two 193 nm excimer lasers to fully leverage advancements in this rapidly expanding analytical technique. Laser ablation ICP-MS accounts for nearly half of all geochemical analyses in our laboratory, thanks to its minimal sample preparation requirements, automation, and cost efficiency.

Thermo Neptune Plus Multi-Collector ICP Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS)

The Thermo Neptune Plus Multi-Collector ICP Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS) is the most sensitive instrument available for isotope geochemistry. With its design featuring movable collectors, this mass spectrometer allows for the relatively quick setup of new methods for isotope analysis. In our laboratory, it serves as the primary instrument for in-situ Nd and Hf isotopes, as well as non-traditional stable isotope systems such as Li, B, Mg, and Ca.

Research Associate at sample station

Thermo Element XR sector field mass spectrometers

The Thermo Element XR sector field mass spectrometers is the most sensitive instruments available for trace metal analysis, with a working concentration range from a few parts per billion (PPB) to parts per quadrillion (PPQ). These mass spectrometers are used for advanced geochemical analysis of surface and groundwater, as well as for in-situ laser ablation trace metal geochemistry. One of the Element XR is equipped with enhanced mass resolution capabilities designed for in-situ isotope and U-Pb geochemistry.

The Nu Plasma 3 Multi-Collector ICP Mass Spectrometer (MC-ICP-MS)

Featuring a ground potential analyser design, provides an excellent combination of precision and accuracy for simultaneous isotopic ion detection. This mass spectrometer is optimised for U-Th and U-Pb geochronology but is also used for other isotope systems, including B, S, and Sr isotopes.

Research Associate in clean laboratory

Ultra clean laboratory 

The ICP-MS platform includes a dedicated ultra-clean laboratory, certified to Class-100 to Class-1000 standards, making it the only geochemical laboratory of this class in Western Australia. It is used for clean acid preparation for instrument calibrations and standard analyses, as well as sample processing tasks such as ion exchange chromatography for solution-based mass spectrometry. A section of the laboratory is also dedicated to supporting nuclear research initiatives at UWA.
Research associates viewing data in data processing facility

Data processing facilities

A dedicated room with three workstation PCs serves as the data processing and interpretation hub. The facility is equipped with various geochemical data processing software and statistical tools. Training is provided for researchers, students and users as part of laboratory operation, depending on the complexity of their geochemical analyses.

Our instruments

The laboratory hosts a range of ICP-mass spectrometers including:

  • Thermo ICapTQ Quadrupole MS
  • Thermo ElementXR sector field ICPM
  • Thermo Neptune Plus MC-ICPMS
  • Nu Plasma III MC-ICPMS
  • Laser Ablation System G2 Analyte
  • Laser Ablation System Excite
  • Thermo ElementXR sector field ICPMS

Platform experts

Dr Aleksey Sadekov
ICP-MS Platform Leader, Centre for Microscopy, Characterisation and Analysis

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