Application of Laser-Induced Breakdown Spectroscopy in the Quantitative Analysis of Elements—K, Na, Ca, and Mg in Liquid Solutions

Abstract

Results of laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy measurements of K, Na, Ca, and Mg content in liquid media are discussed in the paper. Calibration results show correct parameters—linearity and R2 coefficients of determination at the levels of 0.94–0.99. Obtained regression equations have been used to determine K, Na, Ca, and Mg concentrations in biological samples with known element content. Measurement results showed acceptable, within the expanded standard uncertainty, conformity with their content in the certified materials. Results have been supported by multivariate factorial analysis, which was especially effective for Ca and Mg samples. For these elements, factorial analysis allows the application of the whole spectra to obtain quantitative data on the tested samples, in contrast to a common method based on the selection of a particular spectral line for the calibration.