Determination of trace elements in geological samples by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) was applied for the sensitive multi-element analysis of traces and ultra-trace s in geological samples. In order to prepare homogeneous targets the powder ed geological samples were melted together with a lithium-berate mixture (9 0% Li2B4O7, 10% LiBO2) in a muffle furnace at 1050 degrees C. The quantific ation of the analysis results was carried out using the BCR-2G and BM stand ard reference material (SRM). The experimentally determined relative sensit ivity coefficients (RSC) for both SRMs vary between 0.2 and 3 for most of t he elements, whereas the relative standard deviation (RSD) of the determina tion (N = 3) of the concentration was 5-20%. The analysis results of LA-ICP -MS for various geological samples are in agreement with those of other met hods.