Multi-element determination in complex matrices by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

The accurate measurement of as many elements as possible in ancient ceramic samples is the fundamental requirement for provenance studies. INAA has been successfully used in the past to determine 24 elements routinely. This work shows how a relatively fast high-pressure microwave digestion procedure with hydrofluoric/nitric acid, coupled with subsequent analysis by ICP-MS, should yield concentration data for ∼ 50 elements. Eighteen ceramic samples, all very well characterised by INAA, were analysed by ICP-MS, and the data for 23 elements plotted against the known INAA concentrations. Correlation coefficients were generally better than 90%. Reproducibilities of data, on a sample prepared and analysed independently 3 times, were in the order of 5% for most elements. For elements with no INAA concentration data, isotope ratio studies have shown very good agreement between theoretical and experimental results.