Application of Laser-ICP-MS in environmental analysis

Laser sampling inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry has been used for the quantitative determination of trace elements in samples of environmental significance. Solid sampling in environmental analysis is a very demanding type of application: in fact, the instrumental conditions must be carefully chosen and optimized to minimize signal fluctuations, the vaporized material introduced into the plasma should be representative to the composition of the whole sample and a suitable calibration method must be developed. The analytical problems addressed are: determination of elements in plant ash and their direct determination in growth rings of oaks.     

电热蒸发进样电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱（ETV－ICP－AES）联用技术研究

本文采用国产部件组装了一套ＥＴＶ－ＩＣＰ－ＡＥＳ仪器体系，对装置的连接及操作参数进行优化。深入系统地考察了分析物的蒸发过程和传输过程，提出了难熔元素的蒸发和传输机理。研究了ＥＴＶ－ＩＣＰ－ＡＥＳ中基体效应，提出了以聚四氟乙烯为氟化剂，氟化辅助ＥＴＶ－ＩＣＰ－ＡＥＳ测定难熔元素的新方法，应用于环境和生物标样中痕量元素分析，获得满意结果。     

Comparative determination of Ba, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn in tea leaves by slurry sampling electrothermal atomic absorption and liquid sampling inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

The comparative determination of barium, copper, iron, lead and zinc in tea leaf samples by two atomic spectrometric techniques is reported. At first, slurry sampling electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) was applied. The results of Ba and Pb determination were calculated using the method of standard additions, and results of Cu, Fe and Zn from the calibration graphs based on aqueous standards. These results were compared with the results obtained after microwave-assisted wet (nitric+hydrochloric+hydrofluoric acids) digestion in closed vessels followed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometric (ICP-AES) determination with the calibration by means of aqueous standards. The exception was lead determined after a wet digestion procedure by ETAAS. The accuracy of the studied methods was checked by the use of the certified reference material Tea GBW-07605. The recoveries of the analytes varied in the range from 91 to 99% for slurry sampling ETAAS, and from 92.5 to 102% for liquid sampling ICP-AES. The advantages of slurry sampling ETAAS method are simplicity of sample preparation and very good sensitivity. Slurry sampling ETAAS method is relatively fast but if several elements must be determined in one sample, the time of the whole microwave-assisted digestion procedure and ICP-AES determination will be shorter. However, worse detection limits of ICP-AES must also be taken into the consideration in a case of some analytes.     

Slurry Sampling Electrothermal Vaporization Combined with ICP-AES for Direct Analysis of Environmental Samples

In this article, a polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) slurry was used as a chemical modifier for direct determination of trace elements in environmental samples by electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ETV-ICP-AES) with slurry sampling. The vaporization behaviors of the analytes in slurry and solution were comparatively studied in the presence of PTFE. The main influence factors for this method were examined. Under the optimum operating conditions, the precision of this method was better than 7% with the detection limits varying from 1.7 ng mL^?1 (Cu) to 203 ng mL^?1 (Zn). The proposed method has been applied to the direct determination of the trace elements in camphor tree leaves and standard reference material (the combined sample of branch and leaf of shrub, GBW 07603) with satisfactory results.     

Analytical investigations of tree rings by laser ablation ICP-MS

Laser sampling inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry has been used for the quantitative determination of trace elements to characterize annual growth rings of trees. The elements studied are Mg, Al, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Cd, Ba, Tl, Pb, Bi and U. Cellulose mixed with multielement standard solution pressed into pellets were used for the calibration. Using internal standardization with ¹²C the precision is typically better than 10% relative standard deviation. The limits of detection were limited by the purity of the cellulose. Analytical figures of merit and the analytical results are discussed in terms of environmental analysis.     

Determination of rare earth elements in geological samples by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry with flow injection liquid-liquid extraction.

A direct sampling with organic solvent extracts for simultaneous multi-element determination implemented with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) associated with a flow injection liquid-liquid extraction (FI-LLE) sample preconcentration method was studied. The "robustness" of the plasma discharge with tributyl phosphate (TBP) loading was diagnosed by using the Mg II 279.55 nm and Mg I 285.21 nm lines intensity ratio. A FI-LLE preconcentration system for rare earth elements (REEs)-nitrate-TBP was established by using a laboratory-designed phase separator. For these elements, an average sensitivity enhancement factor of 64 was obtained with respect to ICP-AES sampling with aqueous solutions. The precision of the method was characterized by a relative standard deviation (%RSD) of 1.8 - 5.2%. A throughput of 27 samples per hour can be achieved with an organic solvent consumption of less than 200 microl per determination. Good results were obtained for the analysis of standard reference materials.     

Flow methods for the determination of elements in solutions based on sorption preconcentration and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Methods involving an on-line combination of sorption preconcentration with the determination of elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) are considered. The reasons for the effect of the composition of the solution on the analytical signals in the determination of elements, the issues related to recording of nonstationary signals, and the procedures for the sorption preconcentration of elements in the corresponding flow systems are discussed. Some examples of the determination of elements in environmental samples, biological fluids, and other samples are given.     

Atomic fluorescence analysis with gas-phase atomization in an inductively coupled plasma

A method of analysis is proposed that involves isolation of elements to be determined from a sample in the form of volatile compounds, with their subsequent trapping and final atomic fluorescence determination with gas-phase atomization in an inductively coupled plasma. An air-cooled torch with a low consumption of argon was used as the atomizer. This technique eliminates almost all interferences from both matrix elements and atomizing media, and allows the analysis of a wide range of materials with a spectrometer that is calibrated on pure compounds of the elements to be determined without the need for matrix-matched standard reference materials. The method was applied to multi-element environmental analyses.     

The determination of sampling constants by neutron activation analysis

It has been found that sampling constants vary greatly not only from major elements to trace elements, but also between individual trace elements. A comprehensive investigation of a potential reference material therefore requires the determination of sampling constants for all elements to be certified, and other analytical methods therefore have to be included. For methods in statistical control the described strategy can be applied.     

Determination of silver in environmental samples by tungsten wire preconcentration method-electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A preconcentration method for silver in environmental waters involving adsorption on a tungsten wire, followed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with a tungsten tube atomizer is described. The optimal immersing time was 90 s. The best pH for the adsorption of silver was 3. Under the optimal conditions, the detection limit for silver by the tungsten wire preconcentration method was 5.0 ng l⁻¹ (3S/N) and the relative standard deviation was 8.2%. The effects of large amounts of concomitants on the preconcentration of silver were evaluated. Even though 10³- to 10⁴-fold excess of matrix elements existed in water, the silver response was not significantly affected by the matrix elements. The method with preconcentration on a tungsten wire was applied to the determination of silver in waters and proved to be sensitive, simple, and convenient. This adsorption method can be utilized in in situ sampling of ultra-trace silver in environmental samples (waters). Furthermore, after sampling it is easy to carry and store the tungsten wire without contamination for a long time.     

Vapor-generation assisted nebulization for nonmetal determination

A new on-line vapor-generation nebulization (VGN) method is explored for non-metal detection by microwave plasma torch-mass spectrometry (MPT-MS). In the new method, a three-channel “Y” is used to introduce the sample and reactant solutions simultaneously into a nebulizer. The VGN method offers higher sampling efficiency than does simple nebulization and improves sensitivity roughly two-fold for the determination of non-metallic elements. The device is suggested to be of potential benefit also in the determination of species that do not readily form volatile products.     

Determination of trace elements in lithium niobate crystals by solid sampling and solution-based spectrometry methods

Solid sampling (SS) graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) and solution-based (SB) methods of GFAAS, flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS), inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were elaborated and/or optimized for the determination of Cr, Fe and Mn trace elements used as dopants in lithium niobate optical crystals.     

Problems,possibilities and limitations of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry in the determination of platinum,palladium and rhodium in samples with different matrix composition

The economic and geological importance of platinum group of elements has led to the development of analytical methods to quantify them in different types of samples. In the present paper the quantitative information for spectral interference in radial viewing 40.68 MHz inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry in the determination of Pt, Pd and Rh in the presence of complex matrix, containing Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, Mn, P and Ti as matrix constituents was obtained. The database was used for optimum line selections. By using the selected analysis lines the following detection limits in ng g^− 1 were obtained: Pt 1700, Pd-1440, Rh-900. The reached detection limits determine the possibilities and limitation of the direct ICP-AES method in the determination of Pt, Pd and Rh in geological and environmental materials. The database for spectral interferences in the presence of aluminum can be used for the determination of platinum group of elements in car catalysts.     

Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectrometry Determination of Marker Elements for Childhood Soil Ingestion

The methodology developed with inductively coupled plasma spectrometry for the determination of marker elements (Al, Si, Ti, Zr, Y, Cr, La, Ce, Cr, and Nd) for childhood soil ingestion in biological (feces), environmental (dust and soil), and food samples are described. The quality assurance–quality control protocol for sample preparation, especially for food, diaper, and fecal samples and for determination of marker elements are presented.     

Analysis of trace elements and their physico-chemical forms in natural waters

Trace elements in natural waters can be present in different physico-chemical forms, varying in size, charge and density properties. Knowledge of speciation is essential for understanding the transport, distribution, and biological uptake of trace elements in the environment. The development of techniques to provide reliable information on physico-chemical forms has, therefore, become a challenge within Analytical Chemistry.When selecting analytical methods for the determination of total concentrations or fractions of trace elements in natural waters, no exclusion of species should occur, or at least it must be accounted for. Furthermore, the determination limits must be sufficiently low to allow the actual concentrations to be determined with reasonable precision and accuracy. For very low concentrations, preconcentration techniques are applicable, provided the chemical yield of the spike represents that of the original species present. For methods meeting these criteria, the suitability for routine analysis should be considered.When the physico-chemical forms of trace elements are to be determined, the fractionation should take placein situ or shortly after sampling. As the concentrations involved in speciation studies may be extremely low, there is an increasing awareness of potential sources of errors influencing analytical results. Sample collection and separation/fractionation/concentration procedures prior to analysis are, therefore, essential within Analytical Chemistry, and the whole procedure must be taken into account when interpreting the results. There are, however, several requirements which should be met by techniques applicable for speciation purposes. In general, size fractionation techniques (e.g.in situ hollow fibre ultrafiltration) should be applied prior to the addition of any chemical reagents (charge fractionation techniques).     

Direct determination of trace rare earth elements in high purity Y2O3 using fluorination assisted electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry with slurry sampling

A new method for the determination of trace amounts of 14 rare earth elements in high purity Y₂O₃ using fluorination assisted electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry with slurry sampling was developed. A polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) emulsion was used as a fluorinating reagent to promote the vaporization of the analytes from graphite furnace. The main factors affecting analytical signals were investigated systematically. The interference of matrix could be minimized in the presence of PTFE. Under optimum conditions, the detection limits for rare earth elements were 0.032 ng∼2.52 ng and the relative standard deviations were in the range of 1.4% to 4.3%. The proposed method was applied to the direct analysis of high purity Y₂O₃ powder with satisfactory results. Received: 19 June 1999 / Revised: 10 December 1999 / Accepted: 16 December 1999     

Sample Preparation Techniques—An Important Part in Trace Element Analysis for Environmental Research and Monitoring

Abstract

For the determination of minute amounts of elements in environmental samples combined analytical procedures are frequently employed. The combination of suitable sample preparation techniques with adequate detection methods lead to powerful analytical procedures. Decomposition methods are an important part of combined procedures for the determination of trace elements in solid samples. After a short summary of the potential sources for systematic errors two new decomposition methods are described that are suitable for the ashing of organic environmental samples. In one method the organic sample is ashed in a high-frequency excited oxygen plasma. The second method is a high pressure decomposition that permits mineralization of the sample in sealed quartz vessels with nitric acid at temperatures up to 320°C.

For both methods the ratio of sample weight to decomposition reagents is comparatively high. This makes these methods in combination with adequate detection methods suitable for the determination of elements at very low concentrations.

X-ray fluorescence spectrometry combined with adequate preconcentration methods is very well suited for the simultaneous determination of trace elements. Following a critical evaluation of various preconcentration techniques the analytical characteristics of filter paper with immobilized complexing agents are described. Particular emphasis is given to filter papers with dithiocarbamates as chelating group.     

激光剥蚀-电感耦合等离子体质谱对高温合金中17种痕量元素的测定

建立了镍基高温合金中Sc、Cu、Zn、Ga、Ge、As、Ag、Cd、In、Sn、Sb、Te、Ce、Hf、Tl、Pb、Bi17种痕量元素的激光剥蚀-电感耦合等离子体质谱测定方法。对激光剥蚀进样及质谱分析条件进行了优化,通过激光对样品表面的层层剥蚀顺利完成了对低沸点杂质元素的测定。采用格栅扫描采样,严格控制样品的聚焦位置和散焦距离以保证采样的准确性,由高温合金系列标准物质建立了18种痕量元素的校正曲线,其中14种痕量元素的线性相关性较好(r2≥0.99),In、Sn、Sb、Ce、Tl、Pb、Bi等超痕量元素的检出限和气体空白分别低于或接近0.000 005%和0.000 001%。方法对镍基高温合金样品中Cu、Ga、Ag、Cd、In、Sn、Sb、Te、Hf、Tl、Pb和Bi等痕量元素的测定结果与参考值吻合较好,且大部分元素的RSD(n=4)小于或接近30%。     

悬浊液直接进样非火焰原子吸收法测定蔬菜样品中微量铬的研究

本文通过用直接悬浊液进样原子吸收法对新鲜蔬菜中铬的测定,研究了各种实验条件,并建立了实际测定新鲜蔬菜中微量元素的方法。该法将可用于食品。     

Atomic spectrometry for trace determinations in the environment with a view to government regulations

Governments and international organizations have a continuous need for information on levels of environmental pollution for two main reasons: 1. Limit values, given in regulations or directives have to be checked regularly. 2. General levels of pollutants have to be known in order to determine systematic changes (trends) and to be able to establish sources of pollution. Of course data from analytical programmes must be accurate and comparable to the results from other programmes. In most regulations and directives, however, analytical methods and - even more important - sampling, are very briefly specified. Analytical quality is therefore essential. The needed comparability and accuracy of the analysis of trace elements by atomic spectrometric methods is discussed, giving attention to interlaboratory comparison programmes, standardization of methods and the use of standard reference samples. Specific examples are presented, dealing with trace element analysis in different parts of the environment : 1. Sampling and analysis of hazardous waste and sewage sludge in relation to national and international regulations. 2. Representativity of sampling for the analysis of surface waters (including suspended matter) and sediments. 3. Sampling and analysis of suspended particulate matter (dust) in air, especially for lead and sulphur.