Methods of analysis by the U.S. Geological Survey National Water Quality Laboratory-Determination of metals in water by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

Abstract

A method for the determination of dissolved concentration of 15 selected metals in water samples by inductively coupled plasma -mass spectrometry is described. Analysis requires only a few milliliters of sample solution and a few minutes of instrument time. Samples are filtered and acidified at time of collection. Specific conductance of samples is limited to less than 2,500 microsiemens per centimeter at 25 degrees Celsius or equivalent after dilution. The method reporting limits for routine analysis are 1 microgram per liter. Average short-term precision is 1.7 percent relative standard deviation for metal concentrations ranging from 25 to 50 micrograms per liter. The method may be used either as an alternative or as a supplement to existing methods for trace metal analysis in water samples.