Fit-for-purpose ICP-MS procedure supporting brazilian regulations on inorganic constituents in fresh and saline waters

Abstract

This work aimed the development of an analytical procedure using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in four modes of operation for simple and fast determination of Al, Ag, As, B, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, Tl, Hg, V, U, and Zn in fresh and sea water samples attending simultaneously four Brazilian regulations, Ordinance No. 2914, ANVISA No. 274 and CONAMA Nos. 357 and 396. High matrix introduction system enables the introduction of sea water (3.5% m v-1 of NaCl) only 2-fold diluted. Collision cell mode was efficient to overcome polyatomic interferences. The procedure presented limits of detection (LODs) lower than maximum concentrations allowed by regulations. The CRM NIST 1643e and addition-recovery experiments were used to check accuracy and recoveries varied from 84 to 115%. ICP-MS combined with collision cell mode and aerosol dilution led to accurate and simultaneous determinations of 25 elements at different concentration levels in samples containing high contents of total dissolved solids.