Study of matrix interferences in trace element analysis of environmental samples by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry with ultrasonic nebulization

Abstract

Due to differences in matrix composition between standards and samples, analysis using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry with ultrasonic nebulization (USN) may be interfered with by changes which take place in the plasma or in the nebulization device itself. This has been demonstrated by a study which has shown that the determination of 13 trace elements in common environmental matrices can lead to poor recoveries, especially in the presence of high contents of main matrix elements. The utilization of an argon emission line as internal standard significantly improves this situation: only volatile elements such as arsenic and selenium remain a really problematic point of routine trace element analysis using USN-ICP-AES. Validation of the method was performed using mineralized plant reference materials.