Journal of Environmental Biology

Interferences of medium and matrix in determination of trace toxic elements using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

D. Golui, S.P. Datta* and S.C. Kaushik

Division of Soil Science and Agricultural Chemistry, ICAR-Indian Agricultural Research Institute, New Delhi -110? 012, India

*Corresponding Author E-mail: profssac2017@gmail.com

Key words

DTPA

EDTA matrix

Trace element

ICP-mass spectrometry

Publication Data

Paper received : 17.05.2017?????????????????? Revised received : 11.07.2017????????????????????? Re-revised received : 22.07.2017 Accepted : 27.07.2017???????? ??

Abstract

Aim: In view of scarce information, an attempt was made to assess the effect of different media and matrices on the determination of trace toxic elements using an inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).

Methodology: Standard solutions containing 50 μg l-1 of trace toxic elements, viz. Ni, Pb, Cd, and Cr were prepared in water, DTPA (0.005 and 0.0005 M) and EDTA (0.05 and 0.005 M) separately. The concentration of trace toxic elements in the above mentioned solution was measured with ICP-MS.? In another objective, standard solution of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Al, Na, K, Ca and Mg were separately added to the standard solution of? Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr, and As, so that final concentration of major and trace toxic elements were 50 mg l^-1 and 50 μg l^-1, respectively. The concentration of standard (50 μg l^-1) Ni, Pb, Cd, Cr and As was measured with ICP-MS. Concentration of these trace toxic elements was also measured in presence of Zn, Cu, Fe, Mn, Al, Na, K, Ca and Mg. Hence, the effect of medium and matrix on measurement of trace toxic elements with ICP-MS was ascertained. ?????

Results: Significantly lower concentration of trace toxic element was read under ICP with 10 fold increase in concentration of DTPA and EDTA in solution. For example, Ni concentration decreased from 48.6 to 44.0 μg l^-1 and 49.2 to 17.6 μg l^-1 for 10 fold increase in concentration of DTPA and EDTA, respectively. Digestion of sample helped in overcoming this problem. Matrices of elements other than target ones also lowered down the reading under ICP. Extent of suppression in concentration of trace toxic element was relatively higher in the presence of Na, Ca, K, Mg and Al as compared to Zn, Cu, Fe and Mn. ??????

Interpretation: Media and matrices interfered significantly in measurement of trace toxic elements at low concentration (μg l^-1) with ICP-MS

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