Performance characteristics of a tandem spray chamber arrangement in double focusing sector field ICP-MS

A tandem cyclone-Scott type spray chamber configuration combined with infra red heating and a low-flow Micromist nebulizer was evaluated for the use in a ICP-SFMS sample introduction system. The system provides about a 3-fold sensitivity gain and lower oxide formation compared to the standard introdu ction system, although matrix-induced signal suppression is more pronounced , especially for elements with high ionization potential. The technique was evaluated by accurate analysis of riverine water reference material SLRS-3 with generally good agreement with certified and literature values. Long-t erm precision at a 20 mu g l(-1) concentration level was 0.7% RSD in low re solution and 1.6% RSD in medium resolution. Precision in the range 0.03-0.0 9% RSD for lead isotope ratios at 1 mu g l(-1) was obtained.