engleski

Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS)

Laser ablation (LA) as a solid sampling technique for inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS) provides major, minor and trace elements information with wide element coverage, low limits of detection and wide dynamic range with minimal sample preparation. Further advantages include its suitability for microanalysis, depth profiling and two- or three- dimensional elemental mapping or imaging [1]. The method LA-ICP-MS is applicable to a variety of sample types including geological, environmental, biological and forensic samples. Samples with different physical properties can be ablated: solid or liquid (e.g. blood samples), powdered or crystalline, conductive or non-conductive, opaque or transparent. In geosciences, LA-ICP-MS has been employed in trace element mapping of various rock, mineral and ore samples. The technique has also been applied in trace metal mapping of elemental and nanoparticle uptake in animal and plant tissue. Imaging of certain elements in paleontological samples by LA-ICP-MS has been performed in order to study migratory and dietary changes in modern and fossil organisms [2]. However, complex methodology and a lack of available calibration and reference standards render the method rather limited for routine analytical purposes. The aim of our study was to present the application of LA-ICP-MS in the quantification of selected elements in different matrices. The selection of samples was focused on the materials, which were of the most similar matrix as reference glass material NIST, SRM 612. For this reason, geological sample of quartz and iron nanoparticles embedded in silica pellets were chosen. The results demonstrated the ability of the method to determine up to ten elements on a semi-quantitative level. In comparison to reference material, the interference effects were found negligible.

Laser ablation, LA-ICP-MS, iron nanoparticles, quantification

nije evidentirano