Matrix Interferences in ICP-MS: Causes, Effects, and Strategies to Reduce or Eliminate Them

Metals and Metal Speciation Analysis in Environmental Samples
Oral Presentation

Prepared by

Contact Information: ruth.wolf@perkinelmer.com; 303-513-3893


ABSTRACT

Since ICP-MS was commercially introduced in the 1980’s, one of the continuing struggles for those using the technique has been the avoidance, control and elimination of interferences. This talk will review common causes of matrix based interferences, such as Easily Ionizable Element (EIE) effects, solute vaporization effects, carbon enhancement effects, and acid suppression/enhancement effects. The use of various strategies used to control matrix interferences such as matrix matching, internal standard selection, and new alternatives such as gas dilution will be examined and discussed as to their various levels of effectiveness for the analysis of environmental samples.