A High Matrix Tolerance Cadmium Determination Method: An Analysis Method Combining Microextraction and Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

Abstract

Herein, we proposed a high matrix tolerance analytical method, using a combination of ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate/methyl isobutyl ketone (APDC-MIBK) microextraction and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), for Cd concentration determination in aqueous samples. Only 200 µL of organic solvent was used throughout the entire analysis process, with enhancement factors as high as 25. Recoveries from replicate analyses of natural water [NIST 1640(a)] containing mean concentrations of 3.1 μg Cd L–1 were 95 ± 3. The corresponding Cd detection limit was 0.6 μg L–1. The main advantage of this approach is its simplicity in terms of sample preparation, as demonstrated by quantifying the Cd levels in tap water, groundwater, and seawater, using a standard addition method.