Determination of trace metals in marine sediments by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

The accuracy of analysis of geological materials by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was assessed by the determination of ten trace elements (V, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Mo, Cd and Pb) in solutions of the marine sediment reference material BCSS-1. Isobaric interferences by molecular species were minimised by a modification of the dissolution procedure and by a careful choice of plasma operating conditions. Results obtained by external calibration (i.e., the use of reference solutions) showed some evidence of ionisation suppression. Good accuracy was achieved by the method of standard additions for all elements except copper, for which there is an isobaric interference by titanium oxide.