Simultaneous determination of Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in nail samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after tetramethylammonium hydroxide solubilization at room temperature: comparison with ETAAS

A simple method is described for the determination of Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn in nails by using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) or electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). Prior to analysis, 10-20 mg of nail samples were accurately weighed into (15 mL) conical tubes. Then, 1 mL of 25% (w/v) tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) solution was added to the samples, incubated at room temperature overnight and then further diluted to 10 mL with 1% (v/v) HNO(3). After that, samples were directly analyzed. Rhodium was used as internal standard for ICP-MS analysis. Method detection limits (3 s, n=20) were 0.1, 3.0, 1.0, 4.5, 1.5, 5.0 ng g(-1) for Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb and Zn, respectively for ICP-MS, and 24, 26, 30, 143, 130 and 1000 ng g(-1), respectively for ETAAS. The key issue addressed here is the elimination of the acid digestion prior to analysis. Moreover, with the use of the proposed method there is a considerable improvement in the sample throughput comparing to the traditional methods using microwave-assisted acid sample digestion prior to analysis. For validation purposes, six ordinary nail samples were solubilized and then directly analyzed by ICP-MS and ETAAS, with no statistical difference between the two techniques at 95% level on applying the t-test.     

Simultaneous determination of Cd,Cr, Cu,Ni, Pb and Zn in sewage sludge by slurry introduction ICP-OES method

In order to evaluate the slurry nebulisation method as an alternative method for analysis of sewage sludge, the metal content of sludge samples of different origins was determined. The concentrations of six elements: Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, and Zn were determined by introducing the sludge as a slurry into an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer (ICP-OES). Calibration was performed by using aqueous standard solutions. For comparison, the sewage sludge was also digested by microwave digestion and introduced into the plasma as an aqueous solution. The accuracy of the method was checked by analysing a sewage sludge certified reference material (CRM 007-040 Sewage Sludge). The Student's t-test showed that values obtained using slurry nebulisation were close to the certified values at a 95% confidence level. The values of elements Cd 11.1?±?0.8; Cr 37.7?±?3.3; Cu 563.3?±?38.4; Pb 119.2?±?10.1; Zn 729?±?68.2?mg?kg^?1 obtained using this method were comparable with those obtained using the conventional method. The slurry method can, therefore, be successfully applied to the determination of content of each element in sewage sludge with RSD less than 3%, without the need to predissolve them. This could avoid the use of hazardous chemicals, incomplete dissolution and loss of volatile analytes.     

Determination of trace elements in Antarctic krill samples by inductively coupled atomic emission and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Analytical methods were developed for the determination of trace elements in Antarctic krill samples applying inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GF-AAS). Cu, Fe, Mn and Zn were determined by ICP-AES, while Cd and Pb by GF-AAS technique. Two microwave assisted digestion procedures were elaborated for the preparation of 0.5-g krill samples using open and closed vessel systems. The efficiency of the digestion processes was checked by measurements of the total organic carbon content of the solutions obtained. The deviations of the analytical data from the certified values and the relative standard deviations of the concentration measurements were lower for all six elements investigated applying the closed vessel digestion system.     

微波消解/ICP—AES法测定不同品种山药中矿物质元素与对比研究

采用微波消解样品,运用电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱法同时测定山药中K、Na、Ca、Mg、Zn、Fe、Cu、Mn、Se、Pb、Cd和Cr等12种元素。结果表明：方法简便、快速、准确度高;四种山药均富含对人体有益的K、Ca、Fe、Mg、Zn、Mn、Se等矿物质元素,其肉质中Pb、Cd、Cr含量均未超过国家食品卫生标准。     

六极杆碰撞反应池–ICP–MS法测定海水中痕量金属元素

建立了直接稀释法测定海水中痕量金属元素Cr,Cu,Zn,Cd,Pb的方法。样品经稀释10倍后,使用基体匹配及内标校正,采用六极杆碰撞反应池–电感耦合等离子体质谱仪直接测定稀释后海水样品中的5种元素Cr,Cu,Zn,Cd,Pb。各元素在0.0~100μg/L范围内均呈现良好的线性关系,线性相关系数(r~2)均大于0.999 0,方法检出限为0.004~0.209μg/L。测定结果的相对标准偏差为2.4%~4.4%(n=6),加标回收率为92%~113%。该方法简单快捷,适用于近岸海水中痕量元素Cr,Cu,Zn,Cd,Pb的分析。     

Determination of heavy metals and their speciation in waters and bottom sediments of water reservoirs using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

The use of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry in combination with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry and autoclave sample preparation essentially improved performance characteristics of the determination of heavy metals and simplified analytical procedures for determining their speciation. Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry can give information about the concentrations of a wide range of elements in water and bottom deposits at a level of MPC and, thus, is useful for revealing sources of pollution of water reservoirs. More sensitive electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry was used for determining background concentrations of Pb, Cd, Co, Ni, Cu, Cr, Mo, and As and assessing the speciation of Pb, Cd, Co, Cu, and Zn in waters and bottom sediments. Based on the results of analyses of surface, bottom, and void waters; bottom sediments and their step-by-step extracts; and KMC and DEAE cellulose adsorbents containing charge-separated heavy metals, the ecological status of Kuibyshev, Ivan’kovo, and Rybinsk water reservoirs was assessed.     

Determination of iron,cobalt, nickel,manganese, zinc,copper, cadmium and lead in human hair by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry

A method was standardized for the dissolution of hair samples and analysis was carried out by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). Hair samples were brought into solution by using a mixture of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. Various parameters that influence the sample preparation, namely temperature, digestion time and ratio of acid mixture were studied and standardized. The optimized method has been employed to digest standard reference materials and hair samples of residents of India, collected from different age groups and sex, and analyzed for Fe, Co, Ni, Mn, Zn, Cu, Cd and Pb. The values agree for most of the metals with the data reported for human hair samples of residents of India. The NIES CRM Human Hair No. 5 and IAEA Reference Hair HH-1 certified reference materials were used in order to verify the accuracy of the method and the results were in excellent agreement with the certified values.     

电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱法(ICP-AES)测定不同品种山药中矿物质元素与对比研究

采用微波消解样品,运用电感耦合等离子体原子发射光谱法同时测定山药中K,Na,Ca,Mg,Zn,Fe,Cu,Mn,Se,Pb,Cd和Cr 12种元素。结果表明:方法简便、快速、准确;山药富含对人体有益的K,Ca,Fe,Mg,Zn,Mn,Se等矿物质元素,其肉质中重金属元素Pb,Cd,Cr含量均未超过国家食品卫生标准。     

ICP-AES法测定铜镍矿、铅锌矿中铜、镍、铅、锌、钴

用电感耦合等离子体发射光谱法测定铜镍矿、铅锌矿石中铜、镍、铅、锌、钴,样品用盐酸-硝酸溶解,在选定的测量条件下以ICP—AES测定溶液中的Cu、Ph、zn、Co、Ni的含量．对国家一级标准物质进行测定,方法精密度（RSD,n=12）为Cu 2．92％～6．62％,Pb 1．88％-2．61％,Zn 1．30％-2．05％,Co 6．90％,Ni 2．23％．本方法具有线性范围宽、干扰少、快速、简便、检出限低等优点．用于实际使用,结果满意．     

A study of trace element contamination in river sediments in Serbia using microwave-assisted aqua regia digestion and multivariate statistical analysis

The aim of this study was the evaluation of the trace element contamination level in sediments of the most important rivers in Serbia and their tributaries. The determination of the aqua regia soluble contents of 12 micro- and macro-elements (Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Pb, Ni, Zn, Be and V) in sediments was developed by the microwave digestion technique combined with inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry. Correlation analysis and principal component analysis distinguishes factors of lithogenic and anthropogenic origins. The Fe, Mn, Be and V contents are controlled by a regional lithogenic high background factor, while Cd, Cr, Pb, Ni, Zn and Cu are recognized as tracer of pollution. For Co, mixed sources from both lithogenic and anthropogenic inputs were evidenced.The investigated sediment of the major rivers and their tributaries in Serbia showed high concentrations of metals, especially of Cd, Pb, Cu and Zn, which may cause serious environmental impacts. Rivers which flow into the Danube from its entrance into Serbia significantly influence the chemical load of the water and sediments.The experimental study was conducted using two BCR standard reference materials. The calculated accuracy and precision confirmed the good performance of the adopted procedures.     

Determination of Ba, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn in saliva by isotope dilution direct injection inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Trace elements in small sample volumes of saliva were determined by coupling a high efficiency direct injection nebulizer to inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and employing quantification by isotope dilution. Aliquots of 0.4 ml of human saliva were mixed with 0.1 ml of concentrated nitric acid and diluted to 2 ml with water. Sample solutions were spiked with an isotopic solution enriched in 135Ba, 112Cd, 65Cu, 206Pb and 66Zn. The amount of each isotope added to the samples and the measurement procedure were adjusted to attain precise analytical results calculated from the isotope ratios 135Ba/138Ba, 112Cd/114Cd, 65Cu/63Cu, 206Pb/208Pb and 66Zn/68Zn. Data acquisition for Ba, Cu and Zn isotopes was performed for a single sample injection of 50 microl and in another sample injection the Cd and Pb isotopes were measured. Concentrations ranging from 5.0 to 16 microg l(-1) for Ba, from 0.50 to 1.1 microg l(-1) for Cd, from 6.0 to 50 microg l(-1) for Cu, from 0.8 to 18.8 microg l(-1) for Pb and from 46.0 to 230 microg l(-1) for Zn were found in saliva samples. Detection limits of 0.11, 0.03, 0.40, 0.05 and 0.59 microg l(-1) were determined for Ba, Cd, Cu, Pb and Zn, respectively. The concentrations found by isotope dilution were in agreement with those of the completely digested samples quantified by external calibration. The direct analysis of 30 samples per hour was attained with the proposed procedure, avoiding time-consuming digestion steps, contamination risks and matrix effects.     

Preconcentration and determination of trace metals in seawater using a thiol cotton fiber minicolumn coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

A rapid separation and preconcentration method was developed for the determination of trace metals Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in seawater using a minicolumn packed with thiol cotton fiber (TCF) coupled with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Preconcentration parameters, such as seawater sample volume and flow rate and eluent hydrochloric acid concentration, volume and flow rate, were optimized. Under the optimized conditions, trace metals Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in seawater can be determined with no interference from saline matrices. When a sample volume of 1500 ml and a sample flow rate of 15 ml min(-1) were used, the preconcentration factor of 1500 and RSD value of <7% at ng ml(-1) were achieved. The accuracy of the recommended method was verified by the analysis of certified reference materials.     

Spectrochemical determination of trace As, Fe, Hg, Mn, and Pb by an argon-stabilized U-shaped DC arc

Argon-stabilized U-shaped DC arc with a system for aerosol introduction was used for the determination of As, Fe, Hg, Mn, and Pb. By applying a computer program performing a time integration of the registered signals and by optimizing the working conditions of an U-shaped arc plasma, the detection capability for As, Fe, Hg, Mn, and Pb was improved, which contributed to the lowering of the detection limits. The lowest detection limits for Fe, Mn, and Pb were achieved during an integration time of 20 s, and for As and Hg during an integration time of 30 s, and their values were 1.1, 0.1, 0.9, 15, and 2.6 ng/mL, respectively. The detection limits obtained by our method with optimal integration times were compared with the detection limits obtained using other methods: inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), directly coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (DCP-AES), microwave-induced plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (MIP-AES), inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), and an improved thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (TS-FF-AAS). The text was submitted by the authors in English.     

Direct determination of Cd, Cu and Pb in wines and grape juices by thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

The applicability of thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (TS-FF-AAS) was evaluated for direct determination of Cu, Cd and Pb in wines and grape juices. The developed procedure does not require preliminary acid digestion of the samples. The optimum conditions for determination of Cu, Cd and Pb in wines were studied and the performance was compared to those typically obtained by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS). A sample volume of 150 microL was introduced into a heated nickel tube at a flow rate of 0.54 mLmin(-1) and 0.14 molL(-1) HNO(3) was used as sample carrier flowing at 2.5 mLmin(-1) for determining all analytes. The effect of ethanol concentrations on Cu, Cd and Pb absorbance signals were studied. All determinations were carried out by adopting optimized conditions and quantification was based on the standard additions method. Limits of detection (LOD) of 12.9, 1.8 and 5.3 microgL(-1) (n=14) for Cu, Cd and Pb, respectively, were obtained for wine samples (3sigma(blank)/slope, n=14). Relative standard deviations (R.S.D., %) of 2.7, 2.1 and 2.6 for Cu, Cd and Pb, were obtained (n=6) for wine samples. The values determined for grape juice samples were similar to these ones. The analytical throughput was 45 determinations h(-1) and accuracy was checked by addition-recovery experiments.     

Instrumental comparison for the determination of cadmium and lead in calcium supplements and other calcium-rich matrices.

Three brands of Ca supplement, a laboratory-reagent grade CaCO3 and a certified reference material (International Atomic Energy Agency H-5 Animal Bone) wee analysed for Cd and Pb by four different analytical techniques, viz., anodic stripping voltammetry inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry, flame atomic absorption spectrometry and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The Pb levels measured by the four techniques in the bone powder were within the certified Pb level in this certified reference material. Similarly, no significant differences [p less than 0.05; analysis of variance (ANOVA)] were observed in samples with Pb concentrations greater than 1 microgram g-1. However, the Pb levels in the laboratory-reagent grade CaCO3 obtained by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (0.79 micrograms g-1) averaged about three times higher than those measured by the other three techniques (i.e., 0.25 micrograms g-1). Although no significant differences (p less than 0.05; ANOVA) in Cd levels were observed within any of the samples (intra-sample variability), the Cd concentration measured in the different Ca supplements (inter-sample variability) varied by three orders of magnitude (ranging from 0.07 to 3.59 micrograms g-1).     

Rapid coprecipitation technique using yttrium hydroxide for the preconcentration and separation of trace elements in saline water prior to their ICP-AES determination.

Yttrium hydroxide quantitatively coprecipitated Be(II), Ti(IV), Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II), Cd(II), and Pb(II) at pH 9.6 - 10.0 for seawater and pH 10.5 - 11.4 for a table-salt solution. The coprecipitated elements could be determined by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry; yttrium was used as an internal standard element. The detection limits ranged from 0.001(6) microg (Mn(II)) to 0.22 microg (Zn(II)) in 100 mL of sample solutions. The operation time required to separate 11 elements was approximately 30 min.     

Analytical performance of a multi-element ICP-AES method for Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni and Pb determination in blood fraction samples

An analytical method using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) for rapid simultaneous determination of seven heavy metals (Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni and Pb) in human blood fractions, like plasma, cells fraction and whole blood, is performed. The optimum wavelength was selected using as criterions the sensitivity, the linearity and recovery of aqueous standard solutions. The pretreatment of the sample, the centrifugal conditions, the necessity of digestion and the dilution of the digests were also studied. For plasma it was possible to avoid digestion of the sample, but for cells fractions and whole blood the digestion is necessary. The samples were acid-digested by HNO₃ in closed Teflon tubes under high temperature and pressure conditions and were diluted before injection into ICP-AES. Also, optimization of the inductively coupled plasma conditions like nebulizer argon flow rate, sample flow rate and power of radio frequency was performed for each analyte. Finally, the effect of the type of the employed calibration technique on the total variation of the method was examined. Calibration using the standard addition technique was proved more accurate for the determination in terms of analyte recovery. The sensitivity and recovery (Cd 99%, Co 101%, Cr 100%, Cu 99%, Mn 101%, Ni 100% and Pb 97%) of the developed method are presented for all examined blood fractions. Correspondence: George A. Zachariadis, Laboratory of Analytical Chemistry, Department of Chemistry, Aristotle University, Thessaloniki 54124, Greece     

Preparation and certification of tea leaves reference material

Summary Tea leaves reference material was prepared and certified for elemental composition. Japanese green tea leaves were ground, sieved to pass a 80-mesh screen, blended and bottled. The prepared material satisfied the homogeneity criteria for a reference material. Trace element analysis of the material was carried out by flame and graphite furnace atomic absorption and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry.Certification of the material was performed using the data obtained by various analytical techniques and certified values are provided for Al, Ca, Cd, Cu, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb and Zn. The elemental composition of the tea leaves reference material is considered typical of Japanese green tea leaves.     

On the possibilities of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for analysis of archaeological bones for reconstruction of paleodiet

The possibilities of inductively coupled plasma atomic mass spectrometry for determination of elemental composition of archaeological bones for reconstruction of paleodiet are discussed. The interferences of different polyatomic ions on the determination of Fe, Cu, Mg, Mn, Zn, and Zr are investigated and evaluated. Thus, a method for the determination of Al, As, Ba, Mg, Pb, Sr, V, Zn, and Zr is proposed and is validated by analysis of IAEA-SRM-H-5 (animal bone). The applicability of the proposed procedure is demonstrated analyzing real archaeological bone samples dated to 4th century b.c. and the results are compared with the data obtained by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry.     

Comparison of ICP-AES and ICP-MS for the Analysis of Trace Elements in Soil Extracts

Abstract

The extraction of the chemical species Cr, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb, operationally defined, from a sewage sludge treated soil with various extractants (ammonium acetate, acetic acid and EDTA) has been studied by using two analytical techniques: inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy (ICP-AES). A comparison of the mean values measured by the two techniques with the t-criterion reveal that the differences are not significant in all the extractants mentioned above.

Results are also compared with data from a laboratory intercomparison exercise organized in the BCR-programme (Bureau Communautaire de Reference) and discussed. A fast screening of the concentration of other trace metals could be provided by ICP-MS with good precision and low detection limits.