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UCT PragueFCEDepartment of Analytical Chemistry Research Atomic Spectroscopy Group

Atomic Spectroscopy Group

3. 7. 2026 Kamil Záruba

In recent decades, the focus of trace element analysis methods has shifted from optical techniques (atomic absorption and optical emission spectrometry) toward mass spectrometric methods. In particular, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) has become prominent due to its excellent operational characteristics, making it well suited for routine applications. Detection limits for metals are often below the ng/L level, the method's dynamic range spans more than 10 orders of magnitude in concentration, and multi-element analysis can be performed with ease.

The group’s activities focus on speciation analysis of trace elements in plant materials using online coupling of LC and ICP-MS, as well as on trace element analysis across a wide range of materials, including waters, animal and plant tissues, soils, rocks, catalysts, and solid atmospheric particulate matter.

Head:

doc. Ing. Antonín Kaňa, Ph.D.
Members:

Ing. Kristýna Lapčíková, Dr. sc. ETH Zürich (mateřská dovolená)
PhD students:

Ing. Hana Kučerová (AK)

Ing. Věra Nešporová (obhájila 2024)

Ing. Petr Rudolf (AK)

supervisors: AK = doc. Kaňa

 

The current equipment includes two inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometers. The older instrument, the Elan DRC-e by PerkinElmer, has excellent performance characteristics and is equipped with a reaction cell to remove interfering polyatomic ions. This device is also used in the education of master's students. Recently, the laboratory has been equipped with a high-end NexIon 350D from PerkinElmer. In addition to enhanced sensitivity, the instrument supports a new so-called universal cell technology. This technology eliminates spectral interference from polyatomic ions by using ammonia as the reaction gas in both the reaction-cell and collision-cell modes. Thanks to the ultra-fast signal measurement capability (minimum signal integration time of 0,01 ms), it is possible to analyze the size of individual nanoparticles.

The laboratory is further equipped with a PerkinElmer liquid chromatograph (LC) and a Speed Wave microwave decomposition device for sample preparation.

Main fields of interest:

Speciation analysis of trace elements in biotic matrices:

  • The development of measurement methodologies using LC-ICP-MS on-line connection.
  • The analysis of plant extracts and the monitoring of variations in trace-element speciation during vegetation (especially selenium).
  • The speciation analysis of arsenic in food.

Application of the ICP-MS method for determination of total element concentration:

  • The development, validation, and estimation of uncertainties of determination of trace amounts of metals in biotic matrices by the ICP-MS method.
  • The application of the universal cell to remove interfering polyatomic ions.
  • Research on the methodology of analysis of solutions with high organic content.
  • The determination of trace elements in various matrices, e.g. animal and plant tissues, food and drink, pharmaceuticals, catalysts.

Characterization of inorganic nanoparticles (NP) by single-particle (sp) ICP-MS

  • Optimization of measurement procedure
  • Analysis of Ag NP in cosmetics
  • Analysis of Ag NP in food (in cooperation with the Department of Food Analysis and Nutrition)