Plymouth Atomic Mass Spectrometry Facility

A dedicated laboratory for the analysis of a wide range of sample types, including waters, soils, sediments, terrestrial, fresh water and marine biota
Plymouth Atomic Mass Spectrometry Facility
The ISO9001 certified University of Plymouth Atomic Mass Spectrometry Facility (PAMS) is a dedicated laboratory for the analysis of a wide range of sample types, including waters, soils, sediments, terrestrial, fresh water and marine biota, for their elemental content by ICP-MS and ICP-OES. Elemental speciation is also undertaken using HPLC-ICP-MS.
We offer a wide range of research and consultancy services to external academic, public and private sector clients and data quality is assured through our ISO9001 quality assurance protocols. We use our skills and knowledge to assist with problem solving and product development and our recent external clients have come from the academic and contract research, engineering, environmental, food and drink, manufacturing, and medical device sectors. In addition, we are regular participants in reference material certification programmes for the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).
 

About us

Our atomic spectrometry instrumentation comprises single and triple quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers (ICP-MS) and an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). The Facility also houses a wide range of associated equipment for the processing and preparation of almost any sample type. We are licenced to hold, prepare and analyse imported soils and sediments and also for the analysis of samples for alpha, beta and gamma radionuclides.
The facility obtained ISO9001 certification in 2007 and we train undergraduate and postgraduate students and researchers in advanced analytical techniques under this certification. Laboratory staff also teach on undergraduate and postgraduate courses, mainly for the School of Geography, Earth and Environmental Sciences (SoGEES) . Our research activities span the many disciplines found in SoGEES, the School of Biological and Marine Sciences, the School of Health Professions, the School of Engineering, Computing and Mathematics and Peninsula Medical School .
Plymouth Consolidated Radio-isotope Facility (CORIF)

Instruments

ICP, Plymouth Atomic Mass Spectrometry Facility ICP-MS

Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS, Plymouth Atomic Mass Spectrometry Facility Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS

ICP-OES, Plymouth Atomic Mass Spectrometry Facility ICP-OES

The ICP-MS instrument has sub µg/L detection limits with a linear range up to 10s of mg/L. Generally used to analyse a wide range of sample types and we specialise in the harder to analyse matrices such as seawaters and those based on physiological saline. We also couple HPLC to our instruments to allow the quantification of elemental species such as those of arsenic and selenium.
The Triple Quadrupole ICP-MS instrument is housed in an ISO Class 7 clean room with Class 5 sample handling laminar flow hoods. It has an additional quadrupole mass filter allowing us to measure even lower concentrations of some elements, e.g. sulfur and selenium, and we tend to analyse only low concentration samples on this instrument. We also undertake our single particle ICP-MS work on this instrument.
The ICP-OES instrument is used for higher concentration samples, with a linear range from the low µg/L to hundreds of mg/L. The technique is tolerant of a wide range of matrices, ranging from pure waters through brines to crude oils. So, any sample that can be dissolved in a liquid can be analysed and the amount of most of the elements in the periodic table present can be quantified.
 

Research projects

Nanoharmony
This Horizon project supports the development of harmonised Test Guidelines and Guidance Documents for engineered nanomaterials (ENMs). Our role is in the determination of ENMs in biological samples together with an assessment of the associated sample preparation techniques required. In partnership with the UK Health Security Agency and Danish National Research Centre for the Working Environment.
PICCOLO
PICCOLO is a NERC funded project to quantify the crucial processes that determine carbon cycling in the lower limb of the overturning circulation in the Weddell Sea. This includes utilising mass spectrometry techniques to understanding the biogeochemistry of trace Fe and Mn micronutrients in the seasonal thermocline, sinking deep waters, snow and ice cores.
CUSTARD
The CUSTARD project (NERC) examines how seasonal changes in food availability for phytoplankton in Southern Ocean at a key junction of the global ocean circulation influences how long carbon is trapped in the Southern Ocean. Seawater trace metal profiles have been analysed to understand how micronutrients are cycled to feed the biological carbon pump in this region.