Solid sampling–electrothermal vaporization–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the direct determination of Hg in different materials using isotope dilution with a gaseous phase for calibration

Abstract

This paper evaluates the potential of electrothermal vaporization–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ETV–ICPMS) for the direct determination of Hg in solid samples, using a 200Hg-enriched gaseous phase for calibration based on isotope dilution. Three different samples were studied, BCR CRM 320 River sediment, IAEA-086 Hair and a real (wet) freshwater fish sample (M1). The samples selected show important differences in their matrix composition, and especially the fish sample constitutes a challenge as a result of its high water content (≈80%). The main conclusion of the work is that the calibration approach investigated succesfully corrects for all the matrix effects (suppression) observed during Hg vaporization, allowing accurate values to be obtained in all cases. Moreover, practically the same operating conditions could be used for all sample types. The method finally proposed presents interesting features for the direct determination of this challenging element in solid samples, such as: a low sample consumption (a few milligrams), a high sample throughput (10 min/sample), a low limit of detection (6 ng g −1) and a reduced risk of analyte losses or contamination. Precision values depend on the homogeneity of the sample studied, and are typically in the vicinity of 10% RSD, except for the more inhomogenous river sediment (18% RSD).