Evaluation of a rapid semi-quantitative analysis approach using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry with axial viewing

This work describes a rapid screening procedure for simultaneous determination of multiple elements by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry with axial viewing. The process requires no calibration reference solutions, and therefore requires a shorter analysis time per sample. The “Rapid Quant for Axial” worksheet contains stored calibration functions that are not adjusted between analyses. These functions were applied to the analysis of standard reference materials to demonstrate the effectiveness of the screening tool. Quantitative recoveries were obtained for most elements in a variety of biological materials. Aluminum, Cu, Mn, P, and Zn were determined in spinach leaves, for example, with errors ranging from − 45% (Al) to + 23% (Cu). A simulation of the worksheet procedure was also tested. With this technique, a single user-specific, multi-element reference solution was used to prepare a new set of calibration parameters to replace those stored in the worksheet. This procedure proved to be useful for sample screening when the analytes of interest were not present in the original calibration file, or when their concentrations differed significantly from those previously stored.