Comparison of procedures for correction of matrix interferences in the analysis of soils by ICP-OES with CCD detection

Conference · Sun Dec 31 04:00:00 EST 1995

OSTI ID:466560

Sadler, D A; Sun, F; Littlejohn, D ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Strathclyde, Glasgow (United Kingdom)

ICP-OES is a useful technique for multi-element analysis of soils. However, as a number of elements are present in relatively high concentrations, matrix interferences can occur and examples have been widely reported. The availability of CCD detectors has increased the opportunities for rapid multi-element, multi-wave-length determination of elemental concentrations in soils and other environmental samples. As the composition of soils from industrial sites can vary considerably, especially when taken from different pit horizons, procedures are required to assess the extent of interferences and correct the effects, on a simultaneous multi-element basis. In single element analysis, plasma operating conditions can sometimes be varied to minimize or even remove multiplicative interferences. In simultaneous multi-element analysis, the scope for this approach may be limited, depending on the spectrochemical characteristics of the emitting analyte species. Matrix matching, by addition of major sample components to the analyte calibrant solutions, can be used to minimize inaccuracies. However, there are also limitations to this procedure, when the sample composition varies significantly. Multiplicative interference effects can also be assessed by a {open_quotes}single standard addition{close_quotes} of each analyte to the sample solution and the information obtained may be used to correct the analyte concentrations determined directly. Each of these approaches has been evaluated to ascertain the best procedure for multi-element analysis of industrial soils by ICP-OES with CCD detection at multiple wavelengths. Standard reference materials and field samples have been analyzed to illustrate the efficacy of each procedure.

• OSTI ID: 466560
• Report Number(s): CONF-951017--
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

40 CHEMISTRY
54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
DETECTION
INDUSTRIAL WASTES
MULTI-ELEMENT ANALYSIS
POLLUTANTS
SOILS