Analysis of solutions containing high levels of dissolved solids by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry
Abstract
Solutions used for analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) are often restricted to those containing low amounts of dissolved solids (0.2%m/V). This is primarily due to problems associated with matrix deposition on the sampler orifice. The effect of the volatility of the matrix is considered in relation to this problem. Techniques which utilise the injection of limited sample volumes into the ICP system such as flow injection (FI) are shown to be particularly effective in minimising such effects when refractory matrices are to be analysed. Data are presented illustrating the analysis of two different matrix types, i.e., brine and aluminium. The results indicate that such samples can be routinely analysed by ICP-MS at up to 1.5–2.0%m/V of total dissolved solids if suitable sampling procedures are employed.
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