Publication Citation

USGS Series Open-File Report
Report Number 94-358
Title Inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometric method for the determination of dissolved trace elements in natural water
Edition -
Language ENGLISH
Author(s) Garbarino, J. R.; Taylor, Howard E.
Year 1996
Originating office
USGS Library Call Number (200) R29o no.94-358
Physical description v, 49 p. :ill. ;28 cm.
ISBN

Online Document Versions

Currently not available through the USGS Store

Abstract

An inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry method was developed for the determination of dissolved Al, As, B, Ba, Be, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Li, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, Sr, Tl, U, V, and Zn in natural waters. Detection limits are generally in the 50-100 picogram per milliliter (pg/mL) range, with the exception of As which is in the 1 microgram per liter (?g/L) range. Interferences associated with spectral overlap from concomitant isotopes or molecular ions and sample matrix composition have been identified. Procedures for interference correction and reduction related to isotope selection, instrumental operating conditions, and mathematical data processing techniques are described. Internal standards are used to minimize instrumental drift. The average analytical precision attainable for 5 times the detection limit is about 16 percent. The accuracy of the method was tested using a series of U.S. Geological Survey Standard Reference Water Standards (SWRS), National Research Council Canada Riverine Water Standard, and National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Trace Elements in Water Standards. Average accuracies range from 90 to 110 percent of the published mean values.