Analysis of Environmental Samples Using Microwave-Assisted Acid Digestion and Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry: Maximizing Total Element Recoveries

摘要: For the routine determination of metals in environmental samples, we require microwave-assisted digestion methods that yield ‘total’ or ‘near-total’ recoveries while avoiding use HF acid. As inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is method detection, it desirable to minimize HCl avoid spectral interferences caused by high Cl– concentrations. Using certified reference materials, performed a series modifications US EPA 3051 which included: increasing temperature and durations microwave digestion, varying ratio sample acid volume, alterations compositions mixture. The experiments were conducted using urban particulate matter (NIST-1648), coal fly ash (NBS-1633) six CANMET materials (Till-2, Till-3, Till-4, LKSD-1, LKSD-2 LKSD-4), two laboratories (Health Canada Environment Canada) different systems ICP-MS instruments. Our modified nitric improved for Pb, Zn, V, Fe Cu approaching same matrices determined X-ray fluorescence (XRF) instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA) as reported certificates analysis. Recoveries other elements such Cr Ni compared well with yielded traditional (non-assisted) methods.