The use of LA-ICP-MS for the characterization of the micro-heterogeneity of heavy metals in BCR CRM 680

BCR CRM 680 is a newly (year 2001) released reference material consisting o r a polyolefinic matrix doped with various metallic compounds in trace conc entrations, to be used for calibration of multi-element trace analytical me thods. The micro-heterogeneity of CRM 680 was investigated by means of lase r ablation inductively Coupled plasma spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) in order to evaluate the suitability or this reference material for calibration of trac e-level micro-analytical techniques. The measurements involve all extensive series or local analyses. performed in identical conditions at different l ocations on the material. Special attention was paid to the proper manner o f data selection and normalization in order to eliminate any interdependenc e or correlation between the data points. The procedure was employed to eva luate the micro-heterogeneity of BCR CRM 680 by calculating the minimal sam pling mass. The micro-heterogeneity results obtained with LA-ICP-MS were co mpared with those obtained by means or synchrotron micro X-ray fluorescence analysis, it non-destructive trace-level micro-analysis technique (mu -XRF ), and satisfactory agreement between both sets of results wits observed. L A-ICP-MS was found to be suitable for the characterization of the micro-het erogeneity or trace metals in polymer reference materials.