The determination of low level trace elements in coals by laser ablation-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry

The rapid determination of elements present in low level concentrations in bituminous coals is possible using laser ablation-inductively coupled plasm a-mass spectrometry (l.a.-i.c.p.-m.s.). A wide range of trace elements can routinely be determined using this technique but it is for environmentally sensitive elements, such as As, Cd, Mo, Sb, Se and Hg, that it is of most u se due to the low levels of detection. Calibration of the i.c.p.-m.s. was achieved using a series of uncertified c oals and the method evaluated using the South African certified coals, Sarm 18, 19 and 20. A critical evaluation of the data obtained shows that for m any of the elements studied the results obtained are both accurate and prec ise, even at very low concentrations, with the limits of detection for all of the elements being in the mu g/kg (parts per billion) range. (C) 1999 El sevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.