Assessment of ICP-MS for routine multielement analysis of soil samples in environmental trace element studies

Environmental analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

This article reviews the numerous ways in which inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry has been used for the analysis of environmental samples since it was commercially introduced in 1983. Its multielemental isotopic capability, high sensitivity and wide linear dynamic range makes it ideally suited for environmental analysis. Provided that some care is taken during sample preparation and that appropriate calibration strategies are used to circumvent non-spectroscopic interferences, the technique is readily applicable to the analysis of a wide variety of environmental samples (natural waters, soils, rocks, sediments, vegetation, etc.), using quadrupole, time-of-flight or double-focusing sector-field mass spectrometers. In cases where spectroscopic interferences arising from the sample matrix cannot be resolved, then separation methods can be implemented either on- or off-line, which can simultaneously allow analyte preconcentration, thus further decreasing the already low detection limits that are achievable. In most cases, the blank, prepared by following the same steps as for the sample but without the sample, limits the ultimate detection limits that can be reached.

Estimation of the lake water pollution by determination of 18 elements using ICP-MS method and their statistical analysis

Eighteen elements (Al, As, Ba, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sr and Zn) were determined in water taken from Malta Lake. All the analyses were made using the inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry method (ICP-MS). In our investigations we focused on the variability of the element content in water from a number of sampling stations and over different seasons. The obtained results were submitted to statistical analysis. First, the results were interpreted using the analysis of variance test (ANOVA). This has revealed differences in concentration for the majority of elements with regard to seasons. Then, cluster analysis (CA) and factor analysis (FA) were applied to explore similarities between sampling stations. Neither of these have demonstrated any grouping. Finally, factor analysis and principal component analysis (PCA), applied to show the grouping of elements, revealed how different sampling stations are related to each other.

Spatial distribution of major and trace elements in the water of Swarzedzkie Lake (Poland)

In order to characterize the contamination of the Swarzedzkie Lake and generate elemental distribution patterns 18 elements have been determined in samples of water, taken just above the bottom sediments. Analyses were carried out using two instrumental techniques - ICP-OES and ICP-MS. Two main sources of contamination were identified - diffuse pollution from agriculture and stormwater from the town. Three separate groups of elements were distinguished using cluster analysis and two groups using principal component analysis. These three groups are characterized as geogenic elements (Ag, As, Mg and Sb), elements supplied by the agricultural catchment (Ca, Mn, Sr, Na, K and Al) and elements originated from the urban contamination (Ni, Cr, Cu, Fe, V, Ba, Zn and Pb). PCA differentiated the above group of urban elements from the rest, originated from diffuse sources, with exception of alluminium, which was situated between two distinguished groups.