Determination of Metals in Stream Sediment and Soil by ICP-MS

An analytical method based on microwave sample digestion and ICP-MS detection was developed for the determination of trace metals in stream sediment and soil. The operational conditions of the method were optimized by recovery studies and analytical precision using certified reference material (stream sediment standard;trace metals include Li, Be, Mo, W, Tl and U). A mixture of 1 mL HNO₃, 3 mL HF and 0.5 mL H₂SO₄ was found to give the best digestion results towards stream sediment and soil type of samples.Using the solvent system, the sample completely and satisfactory recoveries were observed for all metals.