Fast method of multi-elemental analysis of stream sediment samples by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) with prior single-step microwave-assisted digestion

Abstract

One-step microwave-assisted digestion procedures were investigated with the scope to obtain fast method for multi-elemental analysis of stream sediment samples by sector field inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (SF-ICP-MS). As a model, certified reference material stream sediment (NCS DC 73309), produced by China National Analysis Center for Iron and Steel was used. The reagents whose extraction abilities have been examined were: HNO 3, mixture HNO3/HCl (9:1 v/v), mixture HCl/HNO3 (3:1 v/v i.e., aqua regia), and mixture HNO3/HCl/HF (8:1:1 v/v/v). The list of the selected elements is: Ag, Al, As, Ba, Be, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Li, Mn, Mo, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Sn, Sr, Ti, Tl, V, and Zn. Most of them could be analyzed when only HNO3 for digestion was employed. For the determination of Sb, the use of aqua regia for digestion of stream sediment samples is required. Be, K, Na, Ti, and Tl can be easily and satisfactorily made available for environmental screening when digestion was performed using aqua regia, although the recoveries for these elements were better when the mixture HNO3/HCl/HF (v/v/v 8:1:1) was applied.