Fast semiquantitative survey analysis of solids by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

With laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), trace and ultra-trace analysis of solids can be performed without any sample pre-treatment. For accurate quantitative analysis, however, matrix-matched standards are required. These standards are expensive, if available, especially when the concentrations are specified at the ng g–1 level. Therefore, if a large variety of samples has to be analysed, LA-ICP-MS is not the most suitable technique for a full quantitative analysis. In this work the use of LA-ICP-MS as a semiquantitative survey technique is described. Laser ablation ICP-MS is less precise than ICP-MS for solutions using nebulization for sample introduction. In LA-ICP-MS, however, the time for each analysis is much shorter, as no dissolution step is required. Moreover, with LA-ICP-MS completely unknown samples can be analysed. The latter aspect is shared with d.c. arc optical emission spectrometry (d.c. arc OES). A comparison of LA-ICP-MS with d.c. arc OES shows that the performance of LA-ICP-MS is superior in throughput and sensitivity.