Evaluation of a Direct-Injection Nebulizer (DIN) for Liquid Sample Introduction in Helium Microwave-Induced Plasma Mass Spectrometry (MIP-MS)

Abstract

A direct-injection nebulizer (DIN) has been evaluated for liquid sample introduction in helium microwave-induced plasma mass spectrometry (MIP-MS). A short-term stability test with the direct-injection nebulizer was found to give less than 0.5% RSD for twenty minutes. Isotope abundances for K, Ca, Cr, and Se were determined with less than 10% error on all isotopes. All elements have linear dynamic ranges of two to three orders of magnitude. Detection limits are low to sub-ppb for all elements. Ion lens tuning plays an important role in multielement determinations. Oxide, hydroxide, and doubly charged ions are determined for Cr, As, Sr, Cs, Ba, and Pb. The effect of 10% methanol and high-dissolved salts is investigated.