Optimization and validation of a Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry method for the routine analysis of soils and sediments

A simple, rapid and sensitive method was developed for the routine analysis of trace elements on sediments and soils by UV-ns-LA-ICP-MS. The homogenization procedure that reduces the particle size of the samples to less than 1 µm diameter was found to be a key factor to allow for a representative sampling of the bulk soil at the micro-scale and to improve reproducibility and cohesion of the sample without requiring the use of any binder. The elimination of binders simplified the sample preparation and avoided any undesirable dilution of the sample. SEM/EDX analyses were conducted to evaluate the efficiency of laser to sample interaction. Matrix effects and different quantitation strategies were employed to demonstrate the utility of the analytical technique. Sixteen elements were analyzed on soil and sediment samples and certified reference materials. Analytical results obtained by LA-ICP-MS were comparable to solution ICP-MS analysis in terms of accuracy, precision and limits of detection. Two independent proficiency tests for trace metals in soils were conducted to compare the performance of the method versus conventional digestion ICP and AA methods, obtaining z scores ≤ 3 for all elements measured by LA-ICP-MS. An overall bias between 8 and 15% was found, depending on the sample while the overall precision was found to be better than 5% RSD for all samples. Limits of detection were as low as 0.01 mg kg^− 1.