Water analysis by inductively coupled plasma atomic-emission spectrometry after a rapid pre-concentration

Abstract

A method is described in which large batches of 10-ml water samples are pre-concentrated by evaporation and rapidly analysed for 16 elements at average river concentrations, by simultaneous inductively coupled plasma spectrometry. The effects of background interference, and its on-peak correction, on realistic detection limits of 30 elements were studied on solutions with high levels of calcium and magnesium and were found to place minor constraints on the determination of some elements. Recoveries of 32 elements during pre-concentration were examined and 24 were found to be quantitative. The applicability of this method to the analysis of fresh water is considered in comparison with average river water concentrations and the EEC 1980 Council Directive.