Online solid phase extraction using a PVC-packed minicolumn coupled with ICP-MS for determination of trace multielements in complicated matrices

Abstract

We have developed a simple and clean online-packed minicolumn solid phase extraction (SPE) device coupled with inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the determination of trace elements in seawater and urine samples. In the preconcentration step, the extraction efficiency was optimal when the pH of the sample was adjusted to 7.0 using phosphate buffer solution. After extraction onto the PVC beads, the adsorbed analytes were eluted with 0.5% HNO₃ prior to online ICP-MS measurement. Noteworthily, because surface chemical pre- and post-conditioning of PVC beads is not necessary, a relatively unsophisticated and clean procedure was attained and extremely low detection limits in the range of 0.67 to 7.0 ng L⁻¹ were thus obtained for the analysis of Cu, Co, Zn, Cd and Pb in 100 μL seawater and urine samples. We confirmed the analytical reliability of this method through the analysis of the certified reference material NASS-2 (open ocean seawater), SLEW-3 (estuarine water) and 2670a (human urine) and demonstrated its applicability through simultaneous determination of Cu, Co, Zn, Cd and Pb in complicated aqueous matrices.