Sample matrix and critical interference effects on the recovery and accuracy of concentration measurements of arsenic in ambient particulate samples using ICP-MS

Abstract

An investigation of isobaric and molecular interferences in the measurement of arsenic in complex environmental matrices is presented. Practical solutions to ensure the validity and accuracy of such routine analytical measurements are proposed. It is shown that the positive bias on arsenic recovery data may be due to persistent interferences that may not be completely eliminated by the use of arithmetic corrections or reaction cell strategies but can be removed by careful optimisation of the nebuliser gas flow.