Strategy for water analysis using ICP-MS.

Area of Science:

• Environmental Science
• Analytical Chemistry
• Geochemistry

Background:

• Accurate elemental analysis is crucial for understanding water quality and hydrogeochemical processes.
• Existing methods may have limitations in the scope of elements or efficiency for comprehensive water studies.

Purpose of the Study:

• To develop and validate a multi-step analytical strategy for the simultaneous determination of a wide range of elements in water samples.
• To assess the suitability of the developed method for environmental water quality monitoring and hydrochemical fingerprinting applications.

Main Methods:

• A three-step analytical procedure utilizing inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).
• Step 1: Determination of Na, Mg, Si, S, Cl, K, Ca.
• Step 2: Determination of B, Al, P, Cr, Fe, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Ag, Cd, Sb, Ba, Hg, Pb.
• Step 3: Determination of Li, Be, Ti, V, Co, Ga, Ge, Br, Rb, Sr, Y, Zr, Nb, Mo, Sn, Te, I, Cs, La, Ce, Pr, Nd, Sm, Eu, Gd, Tb, Dy, Ho, Er, Tm, Yb, Lu, Hf, Ta, W, Pt, Au, Tl, Bi, Th, U.

Main Results:

• Successful determination of 67 elements across three distinct analytical steps.
• Achieved figures of merit are adequate for reliable water quality assessment.
• The method provides comprehensive elemental data essential for hydrochemical studies.

Conclusions:

• The developed ICP-MS strategy offers an efficient and effective means for multi-elemental analysis in water.
• The method's performance supports its application in routine water quality monitoring.
• This approach facilitates advanced hydrochemical fingerprinting for effective water management strategies.