Single particle inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the characterization of colloidal particles in soils, sediments and sludges: comparative study of sector field and time-of-flight instruments

Key Points

• The study reveals distinct insights into colloidal particles across various solid samples like soils and sediments.
• Using both SP-ICP-SF-MS and SP-ICP-ToF-MS, significant variations in measurement capabilities are observed.
• This comparative analysis demonstrates the advantages of each spectrometry method, enhancing particle characterization.
• Findings can aid in understanding the behavior of colloidal particles in environmental studies.