Application of inductively coupled plasma source mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) to the determination of trace metals in organics

Abstract

The optimum conditions necessary for the determination of trace elements in organic based materials by ICP-MS are discussed. Problems experienced with condensation of particulate carbon on the sampler orifice have been eliminated by the use of a low flow of oxygen introduced into the nebuliser gas and controlled by a mass flow controller. The background spectra obtained are composed of a few simple molecular mass ions at low mass (<80 a.m.u.). These degrade detection limits for a few elements, however the problem of blank contamination in the commonly used solvents is seen as the limiting factor in detection power. Detection limits are in general below ng ml^–1 levels however for most elements, comparable to those reported for a similar system running aqueous solutions.