In: Chemistry
Explain why ICP-MS is more sensitive than ICP-AES.
ICP-MS (Inductively coupled plasma - mass spectrometry) and ICP-OES (Inductively coupled plasma - optical emission spectrometry), both are employed to detect the specific element.
| Characteristics | ICP-MS | ICP-OES | 
| Autosampling plasma | Argon based plasma | Argon based plasma | 
| measurment | atomic mass of ions and atoms | wavelength of light emitted by ions and atoms | 
| lower detection limit | in parts per trillion (ppt) | in parts per billion (ppb) | 
| sensitivity | highly sensitive (expensive option) | more vigorous in action (cheaper and less selective) | 
| type of samples | 
 low matrix samples: diluted ones, less concentrated to keep up with the multielement detection feature. It has low tolerance for TDS analyses samples with low regulatory limits. Isotopic analysis can be done  | 
 high matrix samples like: containing high percentage of dissolved solids (TDS), suspended solids. Robust for analysing the samples: ground water, wastewater, soil, and solid waste, elements with high regulatory limits  | 
The argon-based plasma is used in aqueous aerosols and offers high energy for drying, dissociation, atomization, and ionization of the analytes.