Comparative study on the trace and rare earth element analysis of an Indian polymetallic nodule reference sample by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

The results of the semi-quantitative and quantitative characterization of an Indian polymetallic nodule reference sample (No. 2388) using ICP-AES and ICP-MS methods are presented. Acid dissolution using HF, HNO₃, HClO₄ and H₂O₂ in a PTFE beaker was adopted for sample dissolution. The calibration was performed with synthetic reference solutions that contained the reagents used for sample dissolution. The data thus obtained were corrected using the data obtained on United States Geological Survey (USGS) polymetallic nodule reference samples (NOD-A-1 and NOD-P-1) to minimize matrix and other effects. Over 30 trace elements were determined using both techniques. The accuracy of the determination was assessed by comparing the values obtained with the certified values for three RIAP reference samples. Indicative values were obtained on sample No. 2388 for about 60 elements by semi-quantitative analysis using ICP-MS.