Application of inductively coupled plasma source mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to the determination of trace metals in organics

Journal of Analytical Atomic Spectrometry Pub Date: DOI: 10.1039/JA9860100259

Abstract

The optimum conditions necessary for the determination of trace elements in organic based materials by ICP-MS are discussed. Problems experienced with condensation of particulate carbon on the sampler orifice have been eliminated by the use of a low flow of oxygen introduced into the nebuliser gas and controlled by a mass flow controller. The background spectra obtained are composed of a few simple molecular mass ions at low mass (<80 a.m.u.). These degrade detection limits for a few elements, however the problem of blank contamination in the commonly used solvents is seen as the limiting factor in detection power. Detection limits are in general below ng ml–1 levels however for most elements, comparable to those reported for a similar system running aqueous solutions.

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