[Research on the Matrix Interference on Major and Minor Elements in Soil Samples with ICP-AES]

Area of Science:

• Geochemistry
• Analytical Chemistry

Background:

• Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) is a common geochemical analysis method.
• Matrix interference can significantly affect the accuracy of ICP-AES results, particularly in complex samples like soil.

Purpose of the Study:

• To investigate the influence factors of matrix interference on ICP-AES analysis of soil samples.
• To evaluate the effectiveness of the matrix matching method in mitigating these interferences.

Main Methods:

• Standard soil substances were used for calibration curves.
• Soil samples were digested using the same method to eliminate matrix interference.
• Concentrations of major and minor elements were measured and compared under soil matrix and non-soil matrix conditions.

Main Results:

• Matrix matching effectively eliminated matrix interference, with minimal deviation observed under non-soil-matrix conditions.
• Major elements (Al, Ca, Fe, Mg, P, Ti, Ba) showed significant negative deviations under soil matrix interference, with Mg exhibiting up to -14.49% deviation.
• High-content elements were more affected than minor elements, contrary to initial assumptions. Component self-content significantly correlated with interference for Ca and Mg.

Conclusions:

• The matrix matching method is crucial for accurate ICP-AES analysis of soil samples.
• Understanding and mitigating matrix interference, especially for high-content elements, is essential for reliable geochemical data.
• Careful selection of spectral lines and interference removal are vital for precise soil element determination.