Multi-element analysis of soil and sediment by ICP-MS after a microwave assisted digestion method

This paper describes a method for the multi-element analysis of V, As, Co, Hg, Cd, Mo, Sn, Ba, Be, Cr, Ni, Pb, Cu and Zn in soils and sediments by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry. A microwave digestion procedure was performed in order to obtain complete sample dissolution. Optimum values for instrumental parameters of the ICP-MS were performed and set up. Multi-element acid solutions (without sample matrix matching) can be used for the calibration, thus providing an accurate quantitative analysis.