Determination of some additional trace elements in certified standard reference materials (soils, sludges, sediment) by ICP-emission spectrometry

Abstract

The concentration of some additional elements like Ag, Au, B, Ba, Be, Co, Li, Mo, Na, P, Pt, and S in some standard reference materials (SRM's) were determined by using high resolution ICP (Inductively Coupled Plasma)-emission spectrometry. The materials used were three soils and three sludges from the BCR (Community Bureau of Reference, European Communities) and one sediment from NBS (National Bureau of Standards, USA). The aqua regia soluble and the total content using HF-treatment were shown. The given results are the mean values of 6 independent measurements for each material and for each decomposition method (certification conditions). The quantitative determination of Au and Pt was not possible due to severe spectroscopic interferences, which could not be eliminated. Beside the concentration values also the measured detection limits and the limits of determination for each element in the matrices under investigation are given. For comparison and for testing the validity of the decomposition procedures, also certified elements like Cd, Cu, Ni and Zn have been analysed in all the samples.