Quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry and sector field ICP-MS: a comparison of analytical methods for the quantification of As, Pb, Cu, Cd, Zn, and U in drinking water

Abstract

Abstract A comparison was carried out between quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-QMS) detection and sector field ICP-MS (ICP-SFMS) detection for quantification of elements such as arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), copper (Cu), lead (Pb), zinc (Zn), and uranium (U) in drinking water. A drinking water sample obtained from the International Atomic Energy Agency was used for validation measurement methods. ICP-QMS and ICP-SFMS obtained recoveries of 95–107% and 95–105%, respectively. Moreover, the relative standard deviation for ICP-QMS was <5% in comparison with ICP-SFMS, which was <2%. The limits of detection obtained in ICP-MS and ICP-SFMS for each element were under ng L−1, except for Zn. Both methods were applied to evaluate these elements in drinking water for consumption in Mexico. According to Mexican Regulation for Human Drinking Water NOM-201-SSA1-2015 and Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) from the United States, the values are within the allowable limits. In conclusion, ICP-QMS and ICP-SFMS are excellent choices for measurements of these toxic elements in water samples because of high precision and accuracy in routine analysis minutes, while also exhibiting excellent precision and accuracy in routine analysis.