Greetings and best wishes,

FRI has also acquired another advanced instrument: The Liquid Chromatography–Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry (LC-ICPMS), Model Perkin Elmer NexION 1100-NexSAR, for heavy metal analysis.

What are heavy metals? Among the heavy metals frequently detected in the marine environment are Mercury (Hg), Lead (Pb), Cadmium (Cd), and Arsenic (As). These metals can accumulate in the tissues of fish and shellfish. Heavy metals can be hazardous to health if consumed in high quantities. Long-term exposure can affect the nervous system, kidneys, and overall human health. It is crucial for FRI to continuously monitor permissible heavy metal levels to ensure compliance with food regulations.

To support this, an introductory training course for laboratory staff on the operation of the LC-ICPMS was held from 26 to 30 January 2026 at FRI Batu Maung, conducted by Ms. Catrina Ng (Product Specialist, Perkin Elmer). The course covered the basic principles of LC-ICP-MS, sample introduction systems, ionization sources, mass filters (quadrupole), and ion detection systems.

We hope the heavy metal analysis team, led by Pn. Intan Nurlemsha Baharom from the Impact Assessment Research Centre, is eager to conduct analyses using this new machine.