Simultaneous correction for drift and non-spectroscopic matrix effect in the measurement of geological samples by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry using common analyte internal standardization chemometric technique

The common analyte internal standardization (CAIS) chemometric technique is extended to correct for drift in signal intensity in inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. The CAIS technique is used because, unlike the conventional internal reference method, it allows for the analyte to behave differently from the internal reference under the influence of drift. Thus, only one internal reference element is sufficient to correct for drift effect for all the analytes irrespective of the difference of their mass and ionization potential from that of the internal reference element. Experimental test with 15 analytes, as a representative of the whole mass range, in different geological matrices, using only indium as internal reference element, demonstrates that the developed drift correction method is efficient in correcting up to 25% drift error and is easy to use. Further, a CAIS scheme was developed to correct for both drift and non-spectroscopic matrix effects simultaneously in a single run, using standard containing no matrix. This scheme is based on the use of two internal reference elements for simultaneous monitoring and correction of drift and matrix effects for all the analytes irrespective of their difference in mass and ionization potential from the two internal reference elements. The developed scheme was validated using river water samples containing appreciable matrix concentration and was measured under the influence of drift. The results of the experimental validation indicate that the proposed scheme is capable of removing error as large as 43% that arises from drift and non-spectroscopic matrix effects.     

Correction for relative interferences in a cholesterol determination

The detrimental influences of thiouracil, propylthiouracil, and bromide on the ferric perchlorate reaction for cholesterol have been previously reported (2, 3). On the basis of recovery studies it can be shown that their role in the reaction results in a relative rather than an absolute error of cholesterol measurement. Because a relative error causes a linear fanning effect on increasing concentrations of analyte which depends for its slope on both the concentration of the interference as well as on the concentration of constituent being measured, the method of standard additions can be used to correct a matrix effect on the reaction. A system in which the standard is used internally can eliminate the need to pretreat the sample in order to separate the interfering compound from the analyte. Therefore, both the interference and its obviation by this method of internal standardization are discussed here in a procedure which results in a means for simpler rescue of a contaminated sample than is afforded by the more laborious and time consuming pretreatment of previous workers.     

Investigation and quantification of spectroscopic interferences from polyatomic species in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using electrothermal vaporization or pneumatic nebulization for sample introduction

A new method for quantification of spectral interferences based on analyte isotope ratio measurements in the presence of various concentrations of a specific matrix is presented. Within the method, a tolerance level is used, defined as the matrix concentration at which the ratio between analyte isotopes with and without interferences is altered by 10% compared to a pure water reference standard, normalized with respect to the analyte concentration in the solutions. This can be used to estimate the lowest analyte concentration which can be determined with a defined accuracy in the presence of a known concentration of a specific matrix. Regarding spectroscopic interference effects, comparative results for sample introduction into the ICP–MS by electrothermal vaporization, ETV, and nebulization are presented for common matrix — (Ca, Na, K, Cl, P, O) and analyte (Cr, Ni, Cu, As, Se) elements. With the exception of the spectral overlap of ³¹P₂⁺ on ⁶²Ni⁺, spectroscopic interferences were reduced by 1–2.5 orders of magnitude when using ETV for sample introduction. Reasons for the increase in the spectral interference of ³¹P₂⁺ on ⁶²Ni⁺ are discussed. For sample introduction by nebulization, it was found that spectral interferences from CaO⁺ on ⁵⁸Ni⁺ and ⁶⁰Ni⁺ were reduced in the presence of phosphate.     

Substitution–dilution method to correct the matrix effect in multi-element quantitative analysis by X-ray fluorescence

A mathematical model based on the dilution–addition method (DAM) for multi-elemental analysis using an X-ray fluorescence technique is proposed. The conditions for sample preparation do not require both the unknown and standard samples to be similar in composition and mineralogy, and the unknown sample is replaced quantitatively by the standard sample, hence the denomination substitution–dilution method (SDM). This method makes it possible to correct the matrix effect in multi-elemental quantitative analysis by X-ray fluorescence for each analyte. The proposed model presents hyperbolic behaviour of the experimental data when the X-ray fluorescence intensities are represented versus the substitution factor (h) for each analyte. After calculating the A/B parameter relations, which depend on the X-ray fluorescence intensity of each analyte (I_i^ns) and the substitution factor (h) and determining the analyte concentration in the multi-element standard sample (C_i^p), it is possible to calculate the analyte concentration in the multi-element unknown using an algorithm suggested for this purpose. This work studies the substitution–dilution phase proposed in the method, and the factors arising from incorporation of the standard and diluent are established according to the nature of the samples and the modifications. These factors make it possible to establish the experimental interval of analyte concentration, generally narrow, which corresponds to a section of the hyperbolic function which is so short that it can be accepted as linear. This linear model can be accepted for a wide variety of samples with a diluent/sample ratio greater than 10. The proposed linear method provides satisfactory results which are comparable to those calculated by applying the hyperbolic method. The proposed method (SDM) has been applied to two different types of matrices, a binary alloy (without diluent, using the hyperbolic model) and a geological sample (with diluent, using both hyperbolic and linear models). In all cases the results were satisfactory.     

Solving matrix effect,spectral overlapping and nonlinearity by generalized standard addition method coupled with radial basis functions–partial least squares: simultaneous determination of atorvastatin and amlodipine in urine

For simultaneous determination in conditions with spectral overlap and variation of matrix effects, coupling of the generalized standard addition method (GSAM) with the multivariate nonlinear method of radial basis function–partial least squares (RBF–PLS) was proposed. The nonlinearity caused by the GSAM used to correct matrix effects was studied, and principal component analysis was proposed for identifying it. In the method introduced, the whole sensor range can be used without the collinearity problem encountered in the application of GSAM with classical least squares (CLS), and calibration can be made for each analyte, separately. The introduced method was applied to determine amlodipine and atorvastatin in urine samples. The mean of the percent recoveries was between 95 and 101.12. The percent relative standard deviation values of the method were in most cases below 5%. The results of GSAM–RBF–PLS were compared with those obtained by GSAM–CLS and GSAM–PLS. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.     

Analysis and validation of perfluorinated compounds in water,sediment and fish with LC-ESI–MS/MS

The analysis of perfluorinated compounds (PFCs) in environmental matrices is challenging, as the concentrations are generally low, but the risk of contamination is high. Sample preparation is a critical step and it is necessary to minimise the possibility of contamination. In this study, we successfully applied and validated a modified ion pair extraction method to quantify PFCs in sediment and fish samples. A large volume injection method was validated and used to quantify PFCs in different water matrices. Isotope internal standard of every analyte was applied to correct matrix effects. The recoveries of the analytes were 92–106% for water matrix, 93–119% for fish matrix and 86–103% for soil matrix whereas the achieved limit of quantitation values were 1.3–14.9 ng/L for water, 0.19–0.28 μg/kg for fish and 0.14–0.41 for soil samples. Thirty-one surface water, 8 stormwater and 41 sediment samples collected all over Estonia were analysed and 4 (out of 8 analysed) PFCs were found in quantitative amount. The most frequently detected analyte perfluorobutanoic acid (PFBA) was found in 26% of the water samples with a maximum concentration of 137 ng/L.     

Matrix matching in liquid chromatography–mass spectrometry with stable isotope labelled internal standards-Is it necessary?

Matrix matching is used in analysis to compensate for matrix effects that influence analytical response. It has been a widely discussed topic in electro-spray mass spectrometry where the ionization suppression is a major problem in accurate quantitative analysis. However, the unique strength of mass spectrometry to detect and quantify accurately a co-eluting stable isotope labelled internal standard offers an easy solution to the ionization suppression problem. Given the fact that it is impossible to match the matrix of the calibration standards with all samples, mass spectrometry allows accurate quantitation without the need for matrix matching, as long as the internal standard co-elutes with the analyte of interest. If the analyte and internal standard co-elute, the slope of the calibration curve analyte response/internal standard vs. analyte concentration is independent of the matrix composition, eliminating the need for matrix matching.     

分析保护剂补偿基质效应-气相色谱-质谱法快速测定水果中40种农药残留

建立了水果中40种农药化合物的气相色谱-质谱(GC-MS)多残留检测方法,评价了添加分析保护剂对农药残留分析的补偿基质效应和对定量结果可靠性的影响。采用可以溶于丙酮有机溶剂的聚乙二醇Polyethylene Glycol 400(PEG 400)和橄榄油作为保护剂组合进行定量分析。水果样品采用乙腈提取,微型固相萃取小柱净化,大体积进样,GC-MS选择离子监测(SIM)模式检测。40种农药化合物在1～200 μg/L范围内线性关系良好,线性相关系数在0.99以上,检出限(以信噪比为3计)为0.1～3.0 μg/L。除乐果外,其他化合物的添加回收率为75%～119%,相对标准偏差均小于16.6%。通过对添加分析保护剂的校准曲线与基质匹配校准曲线的定量准确性的比较,发现加入分析保护剂方法可以代替基质匹配校正方法,同时采用大体积进样和微型固相萃取净化相结合的方法,大大减少了样品前处理量。将所建立的分析保护剂方法用于苹果、桃子、橙子、香蕉和葡萄等水果样品的分析,基质补偿效应良好,有效地克服了水溶性分析保护剂对气相色谱分析有影响的缺点。     

Second-Order Standard Addition Method Based on Alternating Trilinear Decomposition:A Comparison with Two Other ethods

The standard addition method (SAM) is usually applied to zeroth-order instrumentation (instruments that return only a scaler quantity per sample analyzed) as a means of overcoming matrix or background effects that affect the manner in which the instrument responds to the analyte.     

A calibration model to overcome non-spectral interferences in flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A calibration model has been developed in order to overcome matrix effects in atomic absorption measurements. The model uses two independent variables for analyte quantification (the amount of the sample and the amount of analyte added). The dependent variable is the absorbance measured. The method also allows matrix interferences to be controlled without prior knowledge of matrix composition. The method is applied to iron determination by FAAS in the presence of large amounts of copper. Direct calibration and standard addition are also performed in order to compare them with the new empirical model. Results show that the error in iron determination could be –42% when direct calibration is applied and +10% when the standard addition method is used, whereas the proposed model decreases the error to –20%.     

Using calibration approaches to compensate for remaining matrix effects in quantitative liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization multistage mass spectrometric analysis of phytoestrogens in aqueous environmental samples

Signal suppression is a common problem in quantitative liquid chromatography/electrospray ionization multistage mass spectrometric (LC/ESI-MS(n)) analysis in environment samples, especially in highly loaded wastewater samples with highly complex matrix. Optimization of sample preparation and improvement of chromatographic separation are prerequisite to improve reproducibility and selectivity. Matrix components are reduced if not eliminated by optimization of sample preparation steps. However, extensive sample preparation may be time-consuming and risk the significant loss of some trace analytes. The best way to further compensate matrix effects is the use of an internal standard for each analyte. However, in a multi-component analysis, finding appropriate internal standards for every analyte is often difficult. In this present study, a more practical alternative option was sought. Matrix effects were assessed using the post-extraction addition method. By comparison of three different calibration approaches, it was found that matrix-matched calibration combined with one internal standard provides a satisfactory method for compensating for any residual matrix effects on all the analytes. Validating experiments on different sewage treatment plant (STP) influent samples analyzing for a range of phytoestrogens showed that this calibration method provided satisfactory results with concentration ratio 96.1-105.7% compared to those by standard addition.     

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.     

On the use of relative deceleration values for the determination of magnesium by PIGE

By spiking the sample and analyte standard with a compound containing a common non-analyte element, to which a relative deceleration property for 5 MeV protons has been ascribed, relative deceleration values for these target materials could be obtained by PIGE. These values are used to correct for matrix effects in elemental analysis using PIGE techniques. Following this approach, the determination of magnesium in the reference standards BSC 308, Cr XXXI, SARM 8 and SARM 9 was investigated by measuring the yield of the 390 keV²⁵Mg p(2,1) and 585 keV²⁵Mg p(1,0) -rays. Lithium carbonate was employed as the non-analyte spike and magnesium oxide as the analyte comparator.     

Bioaccumulation assessment of the sunscreen agent 2-ethylhexyl 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)benzoate in human semen by automated online SPE-LC-MS/MS

The proven endocrine disruption nature of the sunscreen ingredient 2-ethylhexyl 4-(N,N-dimethylamino)benzoate (EDP) calls for research to understand its distribution and bioaccumulation in the human body. A sensitive analytical method to determine EDP and its metabolites in human semen based on online SPE-LC-MS/MS is described. The method has been fully validated and a standard addition calibration has been used for quantification to correct the observed matrix effects. The on-column detection limits of the analytes are between 0.2 and 0.6 ng, depending on the analyte and the sample. The repeatability of the method, expressed as relative standard deviation, was in the range 4.6–9.4%. The method was satisfactorily applied to semen samples from male volunteers who were subjected to single and repeated whole-body applications of an EDP-containing sunscreen product. EDP metabolites were found at different concentrations in semen samples from the repeated application study, thus showing evidences of bioaccumulation in humans.     

Segmented post-column analyte addition; a concept for continuous response control of liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry peaks affected by signal suppression/enhancement

A novel technique, "segmented post-column analyte addition", is proposed to visualize and compensate signal suppression/enhancement effects in electrospray ionization tandem mass spectrometry (ESI-MS/MS). Instead of delivering a constant flow of analyte solution between the liquid chromatography (LC) column exit and the ESI interface into the eluent resulting from LC separation of analyte-free matrix in order to determine retention time widows in which suppression/enhancement is unimportant (King et al., J. Am. Soc. Mass Spectrom. 2000; 11: 942), segmented packets of analyte-containing solvent and analyte-free solvent were infused into an LC eluent resulting from separation of an analyte-containing sample. The obtained, superimposed, periodic spikes are much narrower than the analyte peak eluting from the column. The height of the spikes is affected by signal suppression phenomena to the same extent as the analyte signal, and hence variations of the spike height can be used to correct the peak area of analyte peaks affected by signal suppression/enhancement.     

Correction for non-spectroscopic matrix effects in inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry by common analyte internal standardization

The Common Analyte Internal Standardization (CAIS) chemometric technique is extended to correct for non-spectroscopic matrix effects in inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The approach is based on using an internal reference element to correct for the matrix effect. Unlike the conventional internal reference method, the CAIS technique allows for the analyte to behave differently from the internal reference under the influence of the matrix. With the CAIS technique a single internal reference element is sufficient to correct for all the analytes. Experimental tests with 13 analytes in four different matrices using different ICP-MS instruments demonstrate that the CAIS is efficient and general for matrix effect correction. Not only is the corrected concentration more accurate, but the precision is significantly better. The capability of CAIS to correct for the effect of a mixture of two matrices was also established experimentally, and 20–30% matrix suppression was eliminated. Furthermore, the developed technique was used as a simple diagnostic quality assurance procedure to evaluate the performance of the mass spectrometer.     

Matrix effects demystified: Strategies for resolving challenges in analytical separations of complex samples

Matrix effects can significantly impede the accuracy, sensitivity, and reliability of separation techniques presenting a formidable challenge to the analytical process. It is crucial to address matrix effects to achieve accurate and precise measurements in complex matrices. The multifaceted nature of matrix effects which can be influenced by factors such as target analyte, sample preparation protocol, composition, and choice of instrument necessitates a pragmatic approach when analyzing complex matrices. This review aims to highlight common challenges associated with matrix effects throughout the entire analytical process with emphasis on gas chromatography-mass spectrometry, liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry, and sample preparation techniques. These techniques are susceptible to matrix effects that could lead to ion suppression/enhancement or impact the analyte signal at various stages of the analytical workflow. The assessment, quantification, and mitigation of matrix effects are necessary in developing any analytical method. Strategies can be implemented to reduce or eliminate the matrix effect by changing the type of ionization, improving extraction and clean-up methods, optimization of chromatography conditions, and corrective calibration methods. While development of an effective strategy to completely mitigate matrix effects remains elusive, an integrated approach that combines sample preparation, analytical extraction, and effective instrumental analysis remains the most promising avenue for identifying and resolving matrix effects.     

Solvent-free MALDI-MS: Developmental improvements in the reliability and the potential of MALDI in the analysis of synthetic polymers and giant organic molecules

A dry sample preparation strategy was previously established as a new method for matrix assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry (MALDI-MS), so-called solvent-free MALDI-MS. In this contribution, we examine systems that have been shown problematic with conventional solvent-based MALDI approaches. Problems frequently encountered are solubility, miscibility, and segregation effects during crystallization as a result of unfavorable analyte and matrix polarities. In all cases studied, solvent-free MALDI-MS simplified the measurement and improved the analysis. Solvent-free MALDI-MS enables more reliable results in well-known problematic systems such as polydimethylsiloxane with its segregation effects. However, even in highly compatible analyte/matrix systems such as polystyrene and dithranol, there were undesirable suppression effects when employing THF as solvent. Generally, the solvent-free method allows for more homogeneous analyte/matrix mixtures as well as higher shot-to-shot and sample-to-sample reproducibility. As a result, less laser power has to be applied, which yields milder MALDI conditions, reduced background signals, and provides better resolution of the analyte signals. Solvent-free MALDI-MS proved valuable for the characterization of nanosized material, e.g., fullereno-based structures, which indicated having an increased fragmentation-susceptibility. New analyte/matrix combinations (e.g., polyvinylpyrrolidone/dithranol) are accessible independent of solubility and compatibility in common solvents. An improved quantitation potential is recognized (e.g., insoluble polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon against soluble dendrite precursor). The rapid and easy measurement of industrial products demonstrates the solvent-free method capable for improved throughput analysis of a variety of compounds (e.g., poly(butylmethacrylate) diol) in routine industrial analysis. Hence, this new MALDI method leads to qualitative and quantitative improvements, making it a powerful tool for analytical purposes, which may also prove to be valuable in future automation attempts.     

Calibration of solid sampling Zeeman atomic absorption spectrophotometry by extrapolation to zero matrix

Summary A new method is described for the calibration of solid sampling Zeeman atomic absorption spectrophotometry, which can be applied independently of the use of certified reference materials. The specific signal (peak height divided by analyte mass or peak height divided by sample mass, for standard and sample, resp.) is plotted as a function of the analyte or the sample mass, and the line is extrapolated to zero mass. It is believed that this gives a specific signal not influenced by deviations from linearity of the calibration curve and free from matrix effects. The method yielded good results for Zn, Cd and Pb in several certified reference materials.Presented at the 5th International Colloquium on Solid Sampling with Atomic Spectroscopy, May 18–20, 1992; Geel, Belgium. Papers edited by R. F. M. Herber, Amsterdam     

Die empirische Matrixkorrektur intermediärer Proben in der Röntgenspektrometrie

Very thin samples show proportionality between the intensity and the weight per unit area of the analyte. Matrix effects do not exist. The matrix effects of very thick samples suitably can be corrected by multiple regression according to Eq. (1). Between these two kinds of samples the intermediate ones are situated with the intensity of the analyte as a function of the weight per unit area of the sample as an additional parameter of correction.

It was shown that these samples can also be corrected by multiple regression without knowing the weight per unit area of the samples by using the weight per unit area of the analyte instead of its concentration according to Eq. (5). This was demonstrated by calculation with simulated standards.

In addition to the described effects the correction program Eq. (5) is able to correct for the influences of dust particle sizes and their depth distribution in the filter.