Comparison of microconcentric and membrane-desolvation sample introduction systems for determination of low rare earth element concentrations in surface and subsurface waters using sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Analytical performances of a microconcentric nebulizer (MCN) and a membrane-desolvation sample introduction system (Aridus) were compared for determination of low concentrations of rare earth elements (REEs) in surface and subsurface waters using a double focusing sector field inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer. Conventional figures of merit were employed, such as sensitivities, limits of detection (LOD), REE–O⁺ formation, matrix induced interferences, long term signal variations, and recovery from spiked sea water samples and a pristine water CRM.