Multi-isotope calibration for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Multi-isotope calibration (MICal) is a novel approach to calibration for inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). In MICal, only two calibration solutions are required: solution A, composed of 50% v v^-1 of sample and 50% v v^-1 of a standard solution containing the analytes, and solution B, composed of 50% v v^-1 of sample and 50% v v^-1 of a blank solution. MICal is based on monitoring the signal intensities of several isotopes of the same analyte in solutions A and B. By plotting the analytical signals from solution A in the x-axis, and from solution B in the y-axis, the analyte concentration in the sample is calculated using the slope of that graph and the concentration of the reference standard added to solution A. As both solutions contain the same amount of sample, matrix-matching is easily achieved. In this proof-of-concept study, MICal was applied to the determination of Ba, Cd, Se, Sn, and Zn in seven certified reference materials with different matrices (e.g., plant materials, flours, and water). In most cases, MICal results presented no statistical difference from the certified values at a 95% confidence level. The new strategy was also compared with traditional calibration methods such as external calibration, internal standardization and standard additions, and recoveries were generally better for MICal. This is a simple, accurate, and fast alternative method for matrix-matching calibration in ICP-MS. Graphical abstract Multi-isotope calibration: fast and innovative matrix-matching calibration for ICP-MS.