Issue 7, 2009

Selenium determination in volcanic soils by ICP-QMS: influence of reaction cell pressurization and methanol addition on the occurrence of spectral interferences

Abstract

Accurate determination of selenium in soils is a critical issue in geochemistry, because Se has a narrow range between dietary deficiency and toxic concentrations. However, its determination is difficult as Se commonly occurs at low levels. Se measurements by ICP-MS are hampered by Ar-based polyatomic ions overlapping Se isotopes. Moreover, in complex matrixes such as geological materials, additional spectral interferences might occur. In this work spectral inferences in volcanic soil digestions have been assessed using both synthetic solutions and real samples under four different measurement conditions that include the addition of an organic solvent (methanol) and the use of a pressurized octopole system. The results indicate that the traditional approach using 82Se without collision-reaction cell significantly overestimates the Se concentration. With the use of a hydrogen pressurized collision-reaction cell an interference-free 78Se signal could be obtained. Methanol was found to decrease the effect of interferences and additionally improves the count statistics due to higher sensitivity. Correspondingly, the best results were obtained using 78Se with a hydrogen pressurized collision-reaction cell and a 2% methanol matrix.

Graphical abstract: Selenium determination in volcanic soils by ICP-QMS: influence of reaction cell pressurization and methanol addition on the occurrence of spectral interferences

Article information

Article type
Technical Note
Submitted
27 Feb 2009
Accepted
15 Apr 2009
First published
13 May 2009

J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2009,24, 944-948

Selenium determination in volcanic soils by ICP-QMS: influence of reaction cell pressurization and methanol addition on the occurrence of spectral interferences

G. H. Floor, M. Iglesias and G. Roman-Ross, J. Anal. At. Spectrom., 2009, 24, 944 DOI: 10.1039/B904131A

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