Spectral interferences encountered in the analysis of biological materials by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Abstract

In order to evaluate the potential of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the analysis of biological materials, a systematic study on the occurrence of spectral interferences was carried out. All polyatomic ions originating from the matrix elements Ca, Cl, P, K, C, Na and S that give rise to spectral overlap with the analyte elements were examined systematically. For these matrix elements, which are representative of most biological materials, a list of all the polyatomic ions, which can be seen to interfere up to a matrix element concentration of 1 g l-1, is given. In addition, for each spectral interference, the corresponding apparent analyte concentration was calculated for different matrix concentrations. In this way, an interference factor (IF) could be calculated for each spectral overlap so that the extent and importance of each potential spectral interference can be estimated. This factor is defined as follows: IF = 10(6) x apparent concentration (analyte element)/concentration (matrix element). A study on the formation and short- and long-term stability of polyatomic ions was also carried out to evaluate the use of some simple correction procedures to overcome spectral overlaps. Finally, a review of the correction procedures applied to biological materials is given together with some examples

Elemental analysis of wines from South America and their classification according to country

“…9 However, the formation of molecular species in the plasma, such as Ar ) that cause isobaric interferences may worsen precision and accuracy. [10][11][12] Additionally, the formation of oxides can also deteriorate the sensitivity for elements such as U, Ba and lanthanides. 13,14 It is worth citing that the conditions of operation of the instrument, the instrument type and quality of aerosol introduced into the plasma influence the formation of molecular species.…”

“…Thus, the formation of oxide and hydroxides ions is drastically reduced. 12,15 In addition, the limits of detection (LODs) are better (typically in one order of magnitude) because more sample is transported to the plasma.…”

“…Thus, the formation of oxide and hydroxides ions is drastically reduced. 12,15 In addition, the limits of detection (LODs) are better (typically in one order of magnitude) because more sample is transported to the plasma.14 With the introduction of dry aerosol, the plasma is also more stable and consequently precision is improved. Molecular species of Ar and N interfere in the determination of Al, As, Se, Fe, K, Ca and Mg.…”

The Matrix Effect of Biological Concomitant Element on the Signal Intensity of Ge, As, And Se in Inductively Coupled Plasma/Mass Spectrometry

“…Noticeable interference was found for Ge, As and Se, showing that below m/z = 85 the background spectrum is not free of interference peaks. [27][28][29] Moreover, at m/z = 70-82, interference from oxides or argon dimer ion ( …”

Determination of Trace Levels of Elements in Urine by Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry

“…[6][7][8] Oliver et al 9) and Tan et al 10) reported the matrix effect in ICP-MS in detail, and it was found that errors resulted from the mutual relationship between the atomic numbers of analyzed and matrix elements and ionization potential. In urine samples, relatively light elements such as C, P, S, and Cl may serve as matrices.…”