Sources of contamination and remedial strategies in the multi-elemental trace analysis laboratory

In theory, state of the art inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instrumentation has the prerequisite sensitivity to carry out multi-elemental trace analyses at sub-ng L-1 to sub-pg L-1 levels in solution. In practice, constraints mainly imposed by various sources of contamination in the laboratory and the instrument itself, and the need to dilute sample solutions prior to analysis ultimately limit detection capabilities. Here we review these sources of contamination and, wherever possible, propose remedial strategies that we have found efficacious for ameliorating their impact on the results of multi-elemental trace analyses by ICP-MS. We conclude by providing a list of key points to consider when developing methods and preparing the laboratory to routinely meet the demands of multi-elemental analyses at trace analytical levels by ICP-MS.