Contributions to accuracy improvement of simultaneous ICP atomic emission spectrometry using multi-line measurements of analyte and internal standard elements Applications for the analysis of permalloy

For successful application of simultaneous ICP atomic emission spectrometry for major component determinations in multi-component materials the accuracy of the method has to be improved. As a contribution to solve this problem a combined procedure for multi-component standard sample preparation, optimum calibration and different variations of internal standard corrections is described. Variance-weighted multi-line calibrations give most accurate results. Internal standard corrections are effective, if the time-dependent spectral line intensity fluctuations of the standard and the analyte elements are well correlated. Their sensitivities against some responsible device parameter variations are investigated. On the basis of multi-line measurements of the analyte and internal standard elements a “group-selected internal standard correction” (GS-ISC) method is applied and results in relative errors of less than 1% even for extreme fluctuations of the raw intensities. For rapid routine determination methods of materials with variable element compositions the added line intensities of the internal standard element can be used to correct the added analyte line raw intensities (“intensity addition internal standard correction” (IA-ISC) method). These accuracy optimization procedures are applied for the analysis of the soft magnetic material permalloy using the internal standard element In.     

Evaluation of mass discrimination effects in the quantitative analysis of polydisperse polymers by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry using uniform oligostyrenes

Mass discrimination effects in matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization time-of-flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOFMS) were quantitatively investigated using equiweight and equimolar mixtures of uniform polystyrene (PS) oligomers. Uniform PS oligomers were separated by preparative super-critical fluid chromatography (SFC) from commercial standard PS samples. The separated PS oligomers, with degrees of polymerization n = 2–25, have absolutely no molecular weight distributions. Equiweight and equimolar mixtures of uniform PS oligomers were accurately prepared by weighing by microbalance, and their spectra were recorded using a MALDI-TOF mass spectrometer. In the lower molecular weight region (less than about 10³) the oligomers with lower molecular weights give lower mass spectral intensities, with no correlation with laser power. In contrast, higher laser powers yield a decrease of mass spectral intensities in the higher molecular weight region. These results clearly show that mass discrimination effects occur at lower and higher molecular weights depending on the laser power, and provide quantitative information about the discrimination. Using the data on equiweight and equimolar mixtures of PS oligomers, it was possible to calibrate the MALDI-TOF mass spectral data for an analysis of molecular weight distribution of a standard monodisperse PS sample with number-averaged molecular weight of 10³, and to compare it with the molecular weight distribution measured by analytical SFC. The result from the calibrated MALDI-TOF mass spectrum, however, does not agree perfectly with that from the SFC results, because undetectable peaks in MALDI-TOF mass spectra at lower and higher molecular weights could not be included in the calibration of peak intensities. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Sensitive and Selective LC-MS-MS Assay for the Quantification of Palonosetron in Human Plasma and Its Application to a Pharmacokinetic Study

A highly sensitive and selective liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of palonosetron in human plasma samples. Chromatographic conditions and mass spectral parameters were optimized in order to achieve a limit of quantification of approximately 0.03 ng mL^?1. Palonosetron and citalopram (internal standard) were extracted by liquid–liquid extraction under alkaline conditions using saturated sodium bicarbonate. Separation was achieved with a Hanbon Lichrospher C₁₈ column and detection was carried out by tandem mass spectrometry using positive electrospray ionization in selected reaction monitoring mode. The target ions of palonosetron and citalopram were to m/z 297.00 → 297.00 and 325.00 → 325.00 respectively. Calibration curves were linear over the range of approximately 0.03–10 ng mL^?1. Precision and accuracy of this method was acceptable. The method was successfully applied to a pharmacokinetic study with healthy Chinese volunteers after intravenous administration of a single dose of 0.125, 0.25 or 0.5 mg palonosetron hydrochloride.     

On the stoichiometry of mass transfer from solid to plasma during pulsed laser ablation of brass

We have performed spectroscopic analysis of the plasma produced by pulsed laser ablation of brass in a low pressure argon atmosphere. The intensities of several spectral lines of copper, zinc and lead were measured for succeeding laser pulses applied to the same irradiation site. The intensities and spectral shapes of the observed transitions were compared to the spectral radiance computed for plasma in local thermal equilibrium. At a delay of 600 ns after the laser pulse, the plasma is characterized by typical values of temperature and electron density of 1.1 × 10⁴ K and 1.2 × 10¹⁷ cm^− 3, respectively, and an elemental composition equal to that of the sample. Small changes of spectral line intensities were observed with increasing number of applied laser pulses. They were attributed to the alteration of the plume expansion dynamics as a consequence of crater formation on the sample surface. The results indicate that the mass transfer from the solid to the plasma is stoichiometric.     

O-TOF-ICP-MS analysis of rare earth elements,noble elements,uranium and thorium in river-relating species

The determination of rare earth elements (REEs), Au, Pt, Ir, Pd, Th and U in various river species was performed by the orthogonal time-of-flight inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (o-TOF-ICP-MS). The method working conditions were optimised in order to minimise the presence and possible spectral interferences of oxides. Ratios MO⁺/M⁺ as well as interference of light REE and Ba oxides/hydroxides with high REEs were evaluated and confirmed to be insignificant. Using the internal standard Re, non-spectral matrix effects (originally decreasing of intensities up to 15%) were overcome and recoveries were found from 92 to 105% for all matrices analysed. For solutions, limits of detection (3σ) were 0.14–0.82 for REEs, Th, U and Y, 1.18 for La, 4.3–5.6 for Au, Pt, Ir and Pd 11 for Sc (all in ng L^?1). The Principal component analysis was used for classification of samples according to their places of origin successfully. The o-TOF-ICP-MS was proved to be a very sensitive and suitable technique for bio-monitoring purposes and was employed in the analysis of biota samples (fish, insect, profiles, benthal growths) originated from five different places in the river Elbe (Czech Republic).     

Determination of metal traces in wine by argon stabilized d.c. arc

A spetroscopic method for the determination of metal traces (Mn, Cu, Fe) in wine has been developed based on argon stabilized d.c. arc plasma at atmospheric pressure. The experimental conditions were optimized using lateral distributions of spectral line intensities of the trace elements in aqueous and ethanol-aqueous solutions. The method was applied to the analysis of 6 wines from 3 Serbian wine-growing regions. Direct and standard addition methods were tested. The precision of the method is characterized by a relative standard deviation of 0.50– 3.00%. The accuracy of the method was assessed by flame AAS.     

Determination of metal traces in wine by argon stabilized d.c. arc

A spetroscopic method for the determination of metal traces (Mn, Cu, Fe) in wine has been developed based on argon stabilized d.c. arc plasma at atmospheric pressure. The experimental conditions were optimized using lateral distributions of spectral line intensities of the trace elements in aqueous and ethanol-aqueous solutions. The method was applied to the analysis of 6 wines from 3 Serbian wine-growing regions. Direct and standard addition methods were tested. The precision of the method is characterized by a relative standard deviation of 0.50– 3.00%. The accuracy of the method was assessed by flame AAS. Received: 8 October 1998 / Revised: 17 March 1999 / Accepted: 20 March 1999     

电感耦合等离子体质谱法测定磷矿石中锰、铜、铅、锌、铬、镉

建立了HNO3-HCl O4-HF混合酸溶样,电感耦合等离子体质谱法同时测定磷矿石中的锰、铜、铅、锌、铬和镉等6个微量重金属元素的有效方法.试验中对仪器的最佳工作参数进行了优化,选择适当的同位素,并用铑作内标元素,有效地抑制了分析信号的漂移.在选定的条件下,对样品进行了精密度和回收率试验,方法相对标准偏差(RSD,n=9)为0.99%~1.98%,加标回收率为98.0%~102.0%.     

Analytical performance of a fast multi-element method for titanium and trace elements determination in cosmetics and pharmaceuticals by ICP-AES

A multi-element analytical method based on inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) was developed for trace elements in pharmaceutical tablets and cosmetics. Titanium was also included in the analytes since it is widely used in pharmaceuticals. Critical ICP conditions, like RF incident power, argon gas flow rate and nebulizer sample uptake flow rate were optimized. The most sensitive spectral line of each analyte was selected as optimum for further study. Detection limits in the low μg g⁻¹ range were obtained. Prior to chemical analysis, the samples were decomposed by acid digestion, using various mixtures of HCl, HNO₃ and HF. Yttrium was used as a suitable internal standard in order to correct for possible matrix effects. The method was applied to the analysis of six different pharmaceutical products (anti-biotic, anti-inflammatory, anti-hypertensive) in the form of tablets with film coating and also three cosmetic products like hair and face masks.     

Direct injection liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization mass spectrometric horse urine analysis for the quantification and confirmation of threshold substances for doping control. II. Determination of theobromine

In equine sport, theobromine is prohibited with a threshold level of 2 µg mL^?1 in urine, hence doping control laboratories have to establish quantitative and qualitative methods for its determination. Two simple liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry (LC/MS) methods for the identification and quantification of theobromine were developed and validated using the same sample preparation procedure but different mass spectrometric systems: ion trap mass spectrometry (ITMS) and time‐of‐flight mass spectrometry (TOFMS). Particle‐free diluted urine samples were directly injected into the LC/MS systems, avoiding the time‐consuming extraction step. 3‐Propylxanthine was used as the internal standard. The tested linear range was 0.75–15 µg mL^?1. Matrix effects were evaluated analyzing calibration curves in water and different fortified horse urine samples. A great variation in the signal of theobromine and the internal standard was observed in different matrices. To overcome matrix effects, a standard additions calibration method was applied. The relative standard deviations of intra‐ and inter‐day analysis were lower than 8.6 and 7.2%, respectively, for the LC/ITMS method and lower than 5.7 and 5.8%, respectively, for the LC/TOFMS method. The bias was less than 8.7% for both methods. The methods were applied to two case samples, demonstrating simplicity, accuracy and selectivity. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

液相色谱/线性离子阱-静电场轨道阱高分辨质谱法快速筛查葡萄酒中的合成色素

基于液相色谱/线性离子阱-静电场轨道阱高分辨质谱(LC/LTQ-orbitrap MS)技术构建了合成色素的质谱数据库,利用精确质量数和该数据库中二级质谱图的匹配度分析筛查,建立了葡萄酒中15种水溶性合成色素的快速筛查方法。葡萄酒样品通过弱阴离子交换柱进行净化后经苯基色谱柱分离,然后用LTQ-orbitrap MS对样品中的色素进行筛查和定量检测。结果显示,葡萄酒中15种色素的检出限在0.00040~0.18 mg/L之间,3个加标水平的回收率在43.1%~127%之间,平均相对标准偏差均小于10%。加标样品的二级质谱图与数据库中标准样品二级质谱图的匹配度均达到98%以上。该方法可在无标准物质的情况下对葡萄酒中的15种合成色素进行筛查检测。     

Determination of chromium,manganese and vanadium in sediments and soils by modifier—free slurry sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Slurried sediment and soil samples of the certified reference materials with a highly elevated level of the metals of interest (Mn, Cr and V) were analysed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) with Zeeman effect background correction. The method of slurry preparation and time-temperature programmes were optimized and, finally, the use of chemical modifiers was not necessary. The effect of alternate spectral lines and gas mini-flows on characteristic masses of analytes was studied. The homogeneity of samples and the influence of short sample grinding were also discussed. The simple, aqueous standard based calibration graphs (except Mn at the concentration > 1000 mg kg⁻¹) were applied for the quantification of results. The results of determinations obtained by slurry sampling agreed well with the cetified values, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) for the over-all analytical procedure repeatability (at slurries concentration level about 2 mg/2 ml) were less than 9.5%, except manganese (10.4%).     

导数同步荧光法同时测定1-萘胺和2-萘胺

为同时测定2种萘胺异构体的含量,研究了1-萘胺和2-萘胺的同步荧光光谱及其一阶导数同步荧光光谱,利用零交点法避免了它们之间的干扰。在pH=7.5的KH2PO4-NaOH缓冲溶液中,波长差为120 nm的条件下,测定了1-萘胺和2-萘胺的同步荧光。进一步对2种萘胺的同步光谱做一阶导数处理,分别在1-萘胺和2-萘胺的导数同步荧光光谱为零的259和290 nm处读取另一种异构体的信号值。该值与浓度呈线性关系,线性范围均在4.0×10-7～2.0×10-5 mol/L;1-萘胺和2-萘胺的检出限分别是4.0×10-8和2.9×10-8 mol/L;RSD均在5%以下。该方法用于产品中2种萘胺的同时测定,获得满意结果。     

Determination of trace impurities in high-purity zirconium dioxide by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry using microwave-assisted digestion and wavelet transform-based correction procedure

This paper describes a rapid, accurate and precise method for the determination of trace Fe, Hf, Mn, Na, Si and Ti in high-purity zirconium dioxide (ZrO₂) powders by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The samples were dissolved by a microwave-assisted digestion system. Four different digestion programs with various reagents were tested. It was found that using a mixture of sulfuric acid (H₂SO₄) and ammonium sulfate ((NH₄)₂SO₄), the total sample dissolution time was 30 min, much shorter than that required for conventional digestion in an opening system. The determination of almost all of the target analytes suffered from spectral interferences, since Zr shows a line-rich atomic emission spectrometry. The wavelet transform (WT), a recently developed mathematical technique was applied to the correction of spectral interference, and more accurate and precise results were obtained, compared with traditional off-peak background correction procedure. Experimental work revealed that a high Zr concentration would result in a significant decrease in peak height of the analyte lines, which was corrected by standard addition method. The performance of the developed method was evaluated by using synthetic samples. The recoveries were in the range of 87-112% and relative standard deviation was within 1.1-3.4%. The detection limits (3σ) for Fe, Hf, Mn, Na, Si and Ti were found to be 1.2, 13.3, 1.0, 4.5, 5.8 and 2.0 μg g⁻¹, respectively. The results showed that with the microwave-assisted digestion and the WT correction, the detection limits have improved by a factor of about 5 for Fe, 4 for Mn and Ti, 3 for Si, and 2 for Hf and Na, respectively, in comparison with conventional open-system digestion and off-peak correction. The proposed technique was applied to the analysis of trace elements above-mentioned in three types of ZrO₂ powders.     

Validation of chemical separation method for the determination of 63Ni using TDCR technique in steel samples of APSARA reactor

Activity Standards of ⁶³Ni was used to benchmark our triple-to-double coincidence ratio (TDCR) primary standardization instrument Hidex 300SL TDCR device under different chemical and colour quench conditions. The results were compared with a secondary standardization instrument Tricarb 2910TR that employs transformed spectral index of external standard to assess the quench level of samples. Excellent agreement was observed (within 3 %) for a wide range of standard activity and quench conditions. The method was subsequently used for validating chemical separation procedure for estimation of ⁶³Ni in neutron activated standard nickel and steel samples. Further the method was applied for estimation of ⁶³Ni from decommissioning waste of a research reactor, APSARA.     

Determination of cobalt in water samples by photoacoustic spectroscopy with a solid-phase spectrophotometry approach using 3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-bis(4-sulfophenyl)-1,2,4-triazine

This work forms part of an investigation which seeks to determine metal complexes in a solid phase by photoacoustic spectrometry (PAS). Results of spectral determination of Co(II) complexes are introduced. The method is based on Co(II) colorimetric reaction with 3-(2-pyridyl)-5,6-bis(4-sulfophenyl)-1,2,4-triazine (FST, ferrozine) retained on an anion-exchange resin, DEAE Sephadex A-25. The immobilization of Co(II) on the solid phase is combined with PAS measurement. A numerical approach is applied to reduce noise in the spectral data. At λ = 477 nm, the calibration for Co(II) is linear over the range 14–300 μgL^{− 1}. The Co(II) concentration in water samples was determined by conventional photoacoustic measurement. The relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) of the method for the calibration is < 5%. Under optimized conditions, the obtained analytical features were LOD 14 μgL^{− 1} and LOQ 45 μgL^{− 1}.     

Acidic metabolite profiling analysis of catecholamine and serotonin as O‐ethoxycarbonyl/tert‐butyldimethylsilyl derivatives by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry

A novel derivatization method was developed for the simultaneous determination of six acidic metabolites of catecholamine and serotonin by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry (GC‐MS). The metabolites were converted to O‐ethoxycarbonyl/tert‐butyldimethylsilyl (EOC/TBDMS) derivatives for the direct GC‐MS analysis in selected ion monitoring mode. Their mass spectral pattern as EOC/TBDMS derivatives showed characteristic fragment ions of [M – 15]⁺ and [M – 57]⁺, which permitted rapid and accurate structural confirmation of acidic metabolites. The present method was linear (r ≥ 0.998), reproducible (percentage relative standard deviation = 1.0–10.0) and accurate (% relative error = ?9.7–9.8) with detection limits of 0.001–4.7 ng/mL. When applied to human urine samples, the method allowed simultaneous determination of six acidic metabolites of catecholamine and serotonin. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

ICP argon emission in the near infrared 1–2μm by high resolution Fourier transform spectrometry

The emission characteristics of the inductively coupled plasma in the near infrared spectral region from 0.9 to 2.0μm have been recorded by high resolution Fourier transform spectrometry. This region contains many strong atomic argon lines. The 109 lines with signal-to-noise ratio greater than four in the observed spectrum are identified and reported here with wavenumber accuracy on the order of 0.001 cm^?1. Also reported are relative intensities and line widths. This information is useful for determining spectral interferences to be expected in the development of analytical applications for the ICP in the near infrared.     

Determination of Armillarisin A in Rat Plasma by SPE and LC-MS-MS

A rapid, sensitive and convenient ultra-performance liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry method was developed and validated for the determination of armillarisin A in rat plasma. Following hydrophilic–lipophilic balance solid-phase extraction, armillarisin A and propylparaben (internal standard) were separated using a gradient elution program on a C₁₈ column and detected by mass spectrometry in the negative ion mode with the multiple reaction monitoring mode. The total chromatographic running time was short (1.8 min). The method was linear over the concentration range of 0.5–250.00 ng mL^?1 for armillarisin A. The lower limit of quantification of armillarisin A was 0.5 ng mL^?1, using as little as 100 μL plasma. The intra-day and inter-day relative standard deviations were less than 15% and the relative errors were all within 10%. The extraction recovery for armillarisin A was approximately 100%, and no absolute matrix effect was observed. Finally, the method was successfully applied to a preclinical pharmacokinetic study of armillarisin A in four rats following an intravenous administration.     

Analytical Characterization of a Solution Cathode Glow Discharge with an Interference Filter Wheel for Spectral Discrimination

Solution cathode glow discharge–atomic emission spectrometry (SCGD–AES) has attracted increasing attention in recent years in water and environmental analysis. In this article, the traditional spectrometer was replaced by an interference filter wheel for spectral discrimination using SCGD–AES. The aforementioned interference filters selected the spectral lines of Na, K, Ca, Li, Sr, Rb, and Cs. These spectral signals were transferred to weak currents using a photomultiplier tube and amplified by a picoammeter. The solution flow rate, discharge current and slit width were optimized individually. The analytical performance of SCGD coupled with an interference filter wheel was studied for atomic emission (SCGD–IFW–AES). The results show that the limits of detection for Na, K, Ca, Li, Sr, Rb, and Cs were 0.16, 0.36, 107, 0.53, 330, 1.93, and 13.58?µg/L, respectively. The relative standard deviations of the spectral intensities for the seven elements were 0.58, 0.94, 0.69, 0.70, 0.63, 0.67, and 0.65%, which indicated that the system operated stably. Matrix effect experiments were performed to study the effect of different concentrations of Na on the spectral intensities of K and Ca. Based on these measurements, the concentration of K in physiological saline was determined to be 0.534?mg/L by SCGD–IFW–AES.