Single Particle ICP-MS (SP-ICP-MS) For the Detection of Metal-Based Nanoparticles in Environmental Matrices: Application to Silver Nanoparticles in Surface Water

The National Nanotechnology Initiative defines engineered nanomaterials (ENM) as those with dimensions of 1–100 nm, where their unique characteristics enable novel applications to be carried out. ENMs often possess different properties than their bulk counterparts of the same composition, making them of great interest for a broad spectrum of industrial, commercial, and health care uses. However, the widespread application of ENMs will inevitably lead to their release into the environment, which raises concerns about their potential adverse effects on the ecosystems and their impact on human health. This paper discusses the theory of Single Particle ICP-MS (SP-ICP-MS) and in particular, its use in characterizing, counting and sizing metal-based nanoparticles in Environmental Matrices. This breakthrough advancement in ICP-MS allows researchers to track the fate/transformation of nanoparticles in various matrices. Single Particle-ICP-MS allow the differentiation between ionic and particulate signals without any separation, measure particle concentration down to as low as 1000 particles/mL with great precision and determine particle size and size distribution. With fast sample analysis time, SP-ICP-MS is a key analytical technique in assessing the fate, behavior and distribution of ENMs in different sample Environmental Matrices.