Preconcentration of platinum group metals on modified silicagel and their determination by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in airborne particulates

Modified silicagel (C18) was studied for separation and preconcentration of platinum group metals (Ru, Rh, Pd, Os, Ir and Pt) as ion associates of the ir chlorocomplexes with cation of onium salt N(1-carbaethoxypentadecyl)trim ethyl ammonium bromide. Sample containing KCI and the onium salt was pumped through the column. After elution with ethanol the eluate was evaporated i n the presence of HCl. Resulting aqueous solutions were analysed with induc tively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductivel y coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Recovery values of 1-20 mu g P t and Pd from 50 mi of synthetic pure solution were 100 +/- 3 and 100 +/- 1 %, respectively, however, they diminished with increasing sample volume and in the presence of the real sample matrix or nitrate ions. Samples of engi ne soot (NIES No. 8), decomposed by low pressure oxygen high-frequency plas ma, and airborne particulates from dust filters of meteorological stations, leached with HNO3 and H2O2, were analysed. A reasonable agreement was foun d between ICP-MS and ICP-AES results for airborne dust samples and the valu es comparable with those in literature were determined in NIES No. 8. (C) 1 999 Elsevier Science B.V. All rights reserved.