Testing Compliance with the EPA 6020 Method for Soils and Sediments Using the NexION® 1000.

Spotlight on Method 6020 Instrumentation - ICP/MS Metals Analysis
Oral Presentation

Presented by A. Palermo
Prepared by E. Kroukamp, P. Patel
PerkinElmer, 6-, 501, Rowntree Dairy rd, Ontario, Woodbridge, Canada


Contact Information: Eve.Kroukamp@PerkinElmer.com; (905) 851 4585


ABSTRACT

The analysis of trace concentrations of elements in the presence of a complex matrix is especially challenging. Matrix and memory effects within an analysis can play a significant role in the accuracy of the readings on ICP-MS, and can have adverse effects on long term analytical stability, QA and QC. Such effects are particularly notable in the analysis of soils and sediments, which are typically analyzed for trace and major components using the EPA method 6020, by routine environmental laboratories. Although the extraction matrix is the same for soils and sediments, concentrations often differ vastly and may require extensive dilutions, thereby impacting upon laboratory throughput. A single method with reliable and reproducible interference removal in both soils and sediments, and which is appropriate for the routine analysis of metals would prove to be extremely useful.
This study demonstrates how the use of a PerkinElmer NexION® 1000 ICP-MS, coupled with the ESI-SC4 fast system and All Matrix Solution, is able to perform the accurate analysis of sediments and soils using a single, Universal Collision-Reaction Gas (UCRGT). The reliability and stability of this technique is demonstrated, and shows that the results achieved are accurate, valid over varying concentrations and stable over long periods.