Capabilities of high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for trace element determination in plant sample digests

The analytical performance of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) for the analysis of plant sample digests was evaluated using doubl e focusing sector field ICP-MS (ICP-SMS). Instrumental detection limits of ICP-SMS are superior to those obtained by quadrupole systems (ICP-QMS) and reach the fg mL(-1) range for elements with high m/z ratios. Matrix effects caused by a plant digest after sample preparation resulting in 200-fold di lution were found to be negligible. The usefulness of high mass resolution for overcoming some spectral interferences is demonstrated. Mathematical co rrection possibilities could be necessary to improve accuracy. The concentr ations of more than 20 elements can be determined in 5 min and only one int ernal standard is necessary to correct for instrumental drift.