Simultaneous Determination of 50 Elements in Geochemical Samples by Low-Pressure Closed Digestion-ICP-MS

Abstract

Geochemical samples were digested using polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) crucibles with screw caps followed by ICP-MS analysis of 50 elements. Two-point standard curves were plotted using blank solution and national standard reference GSD-9 for stream sediments, and the acid system, digestion conditions, isotopes, and internal standards for each element were optimized. The results showed that the detection limits for most elements were less than 0.2 μg/g, and the relative standard deviations for all elements ranged from 1.1% to 16.4%. The measured values were in agreement with the certified values of national standard references. This method not only significantly reduces the amount of acid used and avoids dust contamination, but also accurately determines some volatile elements. In addition, it has the advantages of easy operation and high pretreatment efficiency, making it very suitable for laboratories with large numbers of samples and multiple elements to be tested.