Determination of the rare-earth elements in geological materials by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Journal Article · Wed Apr 15 04:00:00 EDT 1987 · Anal. Chem.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1021/ac00135a018· OSTI ID:6804012

Lichte, F E; Meier, A L; Crock, J G

A method of analysis of geological materials for the determination of the rare-earth elements using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometric technique (ICP-MS) has been developed. Instrumental parameters and factors affecting analytical results have been first studied and then optimized. Samples are analyzed directly following an acid digestion, without the need for separation or preconcentration with limits of detection of 2-11 ng/g, precision of +/-2.5% relative standard deviation, and accuracy comparable to inductively coupled plasma emission spectrometry and instrumental neutron activation analysis. A commercially available ICP-MS instrument is used with modifications to the sample introduction system, torch, and sampler orifice to reduce the effects of high salt content of sample solutions prepared from geologic materials. Corrections for isobaric interferences from oxide ions and other diatomic and triatomic ions are made mathematically. Special internal standard procedures are used to compensate for drift in metal:metal oxide ratios and sensitivity. Reference standard values are used to verify the accuracy and utility of the method.

• Research Organization: Geological Survey, Denver, CO
• OSTI ID: 6804012
• Journal Information: Anal. Chem.; (United States), Journal Name: Anal. Chem.; (United States) Vol. 59:8; ISSN ANCHA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

37 INORGANIC, ORGANIC, PHYSICAL, AND ANALYTICAL CHEMISTRY
38 RADIATION CHEMISTRY, RADIOCHEMISTRY, AND NUCLEAR CHEMISTRY
400102* -- Chemical & Spectral Procedures
400702 -- Radiochemistry & Nuclear Chemistry-- Properties of Radioactive Materials
ACCURACY
CALIBRATION STANDARDS
CERIUM
CHALCOGENIDES
CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
DATA
DYSPROSIUM
ELEMENTS
ERBIUM
EUROPIUM
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
GADOLINIUM
HOLMIUM
INFORMATION
INTERFERING ELEMENTS
LANTHANUM
LUTETIUM
MASS SPECTROMETERS
MASS SPECTROSCOPY
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
METALS
NEODYMIUM
NUMERICAL DATA
OXIDES
OXYGEN COMPOUNDS
PERFORMANCE
PRASEODYMIUM
QUANTITATIVE CHEMICAL ANALYSIS
RARE EARTHS
ROCKS
SALTS
SAMARIUM
SAMPLE PREPARATION
SPECTROMETERS
SPECTROSCOPY
STANDARDS
TERBIUM
THULIUM
TRACE AMOUNTS
YTTERBIUM