Sensitivity enhancement in ICP emission spectrometry with microcolumn preconcentration and ultrasonic nebulisation

To improve the measurement capability of ICP emission spectrometry, microcolumn preconcentration using an iminodiacetate chelating resin (Muromac A-1) has been combined with ultrasonic nebulisation for determination of ultratrace elements (V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, Pb and U) in natural waters including seawaters. Trace element deposition was achieved at pH 5 and elution was effected by injection of nitric acid (250 μl, 2.0 M). Sensitivity enhancement factors between 26 and 44 were achieved with on-line preconcentration (sample volume of 10 ml) and detection limits were improved by up to two orders of magnitude relative to conventional pneumatic nebulisation of original water samples. The method was successfully applied to mineral, rain and sea water samples.