Analysis of rocks, soils and sediments for the chalcophile elements by laser ablation—inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

A method of analysis was developed to determine several chalcophile elements in geological materials by laser ablation–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA–ICP-MS). Instrumental parameters and response factors affecting the results were established and then optimized. The chalcophile elements were concentrated by a fire-assay technique using Ni and S powders. The resulting metal alloy bead was used for direct laser sampling into an ICP-MS instrument. Recovery of most chalcophile elements was >95%. The limits of detection ranged from <1 (Ag) to 100 (Te) ng g–1 in the sample.