EMU: Acquisition of a laser ablation system coupled to a plasma-based mass spectrometer (LA-ICP-MS) for the analysis and mapping of isotopes in environmental, agronomic and forensic matrices

• Grant number: 23/17265-9
• Support Opportunities: Research Infrastructure Program - Small Medium Sized
• Start date: September 01, 2024
• End date: August 31, 2027
• Field of knowledge: Interdisciplinary Subjects
• Principal Investigator: Cassio Hamilton Abreu Junior
• Grantee: Cassio Hamilton Abreu Junior
• Host Institution: Centro de Energia Nuclear na Agricultura (CENA). Universidade de São Paulo (USP). Piracicaba , SP, Brazil
• Associated researchers: Alex Virgilio ; Giselda Durigan ; Giuliano Maselli Locosselli ; Helder Louvandini ; Lucas William Mendes ; Plínio Barbosa de Camargo ; Tsai Siu Mui

Abstract

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is considered state-of-the-art for elemental and isotopic analysis at trace and ultra-trace levels. High sensitivity, multi-element capability, wide linear working range, and excellent precision and accuracy are some of the main attractive features of ICP-MS. However, this technique is based on the introduction of solutions, and sample digestion is often required. Sample preparation is a critical analytical step, due to time consumption, high requirement for reactants, and it is more prone to contamination and analyte loss risks. The current frontier of knowledge in agronomic and environmental applications for ICP-MS has been the direct solid analysis aiming at elemental mapping and, in this case, the sampling by laser ablation (LA) represents a major advance. This technique is based on the focusing of high-energy laser beam pulses directly on the surface of the sample, thus dispensing laborious and costly sample preparation procedures. The flexibility provided by the laser allows two-dimensional imaging of the sample with micrometric resolution and high precision, being both necessary to understand the spatial distribution of elements and identification of heterogeneities by means of heat maps. The almost non-destructive nature of the technique makes it even more attractive for applications involving samples which are difficult to decompose or less available as some challenging matrices like rocks, soils, wood, plant tissues and cells. At CENA/USP, the number of ongoing projects funded by FAPESP and other funding agencies is very significant, which require elemental analysis of complex samples, and obtaining detailed information through elemental mapping would bring substantial benefits. These demands are common to other research laboratories in and out the São Paulo State, which could benefit from a multi-user laboratory capable to carry out these analyses. The impact of implementing this technique can be further extended by considering time-resolved analysis to characterize high technological and relevant materials, such as nanoparticles, single cells and microplastics, which broadens the range of applications and the contribution to national science. Stablished in 2005 and linked to CMAQ, The Plant Mineral Nutrition Lab. is specialized in ICP-MS analysis, having acting in association with universities and public and private organizations, with substantial and relevant technical and scientific production. The current ICP-MS spectrometer is obsolescent, impairing the isotopic analyses planned in the FAPESP/PITE/BIOEN project coordinated by the principal investigator of this proposal, and also impacting the Associated Projects and the large demand from external multi-users. This EMU proposal is strategic for the CMAQ, which has high-level infrastructure, human resources and know-how, to implement an Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) system that will meet the demand for Associated Projects, repressed multi-users demand, and will also enable it to leverage the national technical and scientific production, keeping it at the international excellence level.Lead Researcher: Prof. Dr. Cassio Hamilton Abreu-JuniorEMU Management Group:Prof. Dr. Giuliano Maselli Locosselli - Associate ResearcherProf. Dr. Alex Virgilio - Collaborating Researcher and Vice-Chairman of the Management Committee of the Multiuser Chemical Analysis Center (CMAQ/CENA) (Curriculum Summary attached in Other Documents) (AU)