Multi-elemental analysis of environmental matrices by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Laser ablation has been applied to the solid sample introduction into an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometer for the multi-elemental analysis of several environmental matrices. Fourteen elements (Al, P, K, Ca, Cr, Mn, Fe, Ni, Cu, Zn, Rb, Sr, Ba, Pb) were determined in the Japanese National Institute of Environmental Studies certified reference materials (CRMs) No. 7 Tea Leaves and No. 1 Pepperbush; nine elements (Na, Mg, Al, P, K, Cr, Mn, Fe, Zn) were determined in International Atomic Energy Agency CRM A11 Milk Powder; and 41 elements (Li, B, Sc, Ti, V, Cr, Mn, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Ga, Ge, As, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Sn, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Yb, Ta, W, Pb, Bi, Th, U) were determined in reference sediments GSD-2–GSD-8 from the Chinese Institute of Geophysical and Geochemical Prospecting. Calibrations were based on individual elemental sensitivities derived from matrix-matched standards. Simple and full internal standardization on a minor isotope of a major matrix element are discussed. The former are helpful for analysis of the biological matrices, but the latter do not improve precisions. Comparison with certified values shows fairly good accuracy, especially considering the rapidity of the analyses. The geological analyses were particularly successful as virtually no sample preparation was necessary and the analytical results obtained were very encouraging; detection limits for each type of analysis are given.