Application of a Partial Least-Squares Regression Model for Spectral Correction in Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry Analysis of Rare Earth Elements in Environmental Samples

摘要

A method is described for the determination of rare earth elements(REEs) in environmental samples using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), employing a partial least squares regression (PLSR) model for the correction of interferences involving REE oxides, and hydroxides, isobaric spectral overlap, etc.. The interferences from REEs oxides and hydroxides were estimated to be 1 and 0.1% respectively. The PLSR model was satisfactorily used for the prediction of REE concentrations in different reference materials and environmental samples i.e. soil, sediment, sludge and seawater, with high accuracy and precision (RSD<5%) even in samples where high ratios of Ba/REEs and salt/REEs exist. The detection limit ranged from 14-34 ng/l.