High accuracy in the element analysis by mass spectrometry

Abstract

Accurate analysis results are a common problem in trace and micro determinations of elements, as found in particular in a number of interlaboratory studies. The difference between precision and accuracy of an analysis is shown in this review and a possible hierarchy of analytical methods is given. Isotope dilution mass spectrometry is the most accurate method of all mass spectrometric techniques. Possible element analyses by isotope dilution mass spectrometry are discussed using different ionization methods in the mass spectrometer (thermal ionization, spark source mass spectrometry, electron impact ionization, ICP and MIP, field desorption mass spectrometry). If MIP-MS and spark source mass spectrometry are applied, the difference between analysis results where the isotope dilution technique is and is not used is shown. The precision and accuracy of spark source mass spectrometry increases significantly when the isotope dilution method is applied. Accurate results by mass spectrometry are shown in comparison with certified values of standard reference materials using food samples, biological samples, geological samples, nuclear reactor materials, metals, and samples from the environment as examples. Possible sources of error by isotope dilution mass spectrometry are discussed. In contrast to the analysis of metal traces, only a few alternative methods can be applied to the trace analysis of non-metals and their anion forming compounds. In this case the production of negative thermal ions in a mass spectrometer in connection with the isotope dilution technique is a useful tool for accurate anion and non-metal analyses.