Determination of arsenic in plant samples by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry with ultrasonic nebulization: a complex problem

Under well-defined conditions, the analysis of most trace elements by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry with ultrasonic nebulization (ICP-AES-USN) leads to accurate results for environmental matrices usually studied. Due to differences in matrix composition between standards and samples, ICP-AES-USN determinations of arsenic are interfered with by changes that take place mainly within the desolvation stage of the USN device. In this work, effects of plant matrices on the determination of As in six arsenic species have been investigated. Firstly, interferences were simulated by measuring analyte (species) signals in solutions containing variable concentrations of the main matrix elements encountered in mineralized plant samples (K, Ca, Mg, P and Na). Secondly, the influence of real plant matrices on emission signals of arsenic species was also studied. In this case, the observed effects were different than for individual matrix elements considered separately: Ca and Mg always present in real samples efficiently compensate the undesirable effects. Validation of this statement has been performed using mineralized plant reference materials. In addition, ICP-AES-USN results have been compared with those obtained by Zeeman electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry.