GDMS characterization of trace elements in soil samples
- West Virginia Univ., Morgantown, WV (United States)
- Oak Ridge National Lab., TN (United States)
Glow discharge mass spectroscopy (GDMS) is a well-proven technique for the direct determination of trace elements in conducting and semiconducting samples. Current environmental concerns require the determination of trace elements in geological samples such as soils. GDMS analysis of such nonconducting samples requires that one of two approaches be employed. In the first approach, the sample is mixed with a conducting host matrix and the resulting powder is briquetted to yield a sample cathode that is sufficiently conductive to sustain a dc-powered glow discharge. The second approach requires the use of rf power, rather than dc power, to sustain a glow discharge with a nonconducting electrode. With either approach, the nature of nonconducting samples can complicate the analysis. In contrast to most conducting and semiconducting samples, soil samples are characterized by a high content of oxygen, typically 40%, and an abundance of low ionization potential elements, e.g., Ca, K and Na. The identity of the host matrix becomes a factor that must be considered in the analysis when using the conducting host matrix approach to the analysis of nonconducting samples.
- DOE Contract Number:
- AC05-84OR21400
- OSTI ID:
- 61948
- Report Number(s):
- CONF-9405234--
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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