Intercomparison of moss reference material by different multi-element techniques

Abstract

An intercomparison of data obtained for a moss reference material (Hylocomium splendens) used as biomonitor of atmospheric deposition by different multi-element techniques is presented. In total 43 elements (Na, Mg, Al, Cl, K, Ca, Sc, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Br, Rb, Sr, Zr, Ag, Sn, Sb, I, Cs, Ba, La, Ce, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Tm, Yb, Lu, Hf, Ta, W, Au, Th, U) were determined using inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), conventional instrumental neutron activation analysis (INAA), epithermal neutron activation analysis (ENAA) and as well as shorttime neutron activation analysis without and with a6LiD-converter. Advantages and drawbacks of each method are discussed. The introduction of moss reference materials for atmospheric multi-element deposition studies involving nuclear analytical techniques is strongly recommended.