Correction of matrix effects for As and Se in ICP OES using a Flow Blurring® multiple nebulizer

Abstract

A new and efficient multiple nebulizer based on Flow Blurring® hydrodynamics (FBMN) has been employed for elemental analysis. The aerosol generated by the FBMN has been characterized and compared with a conventional pneumatic nebulizer (MicroMist®, MM). Both nebulizers have been operated with the same cyclonic spray chamber for comparison. At a solution flow rate of 300 μL min⁻¹ and a nebulizer gas flow rate of 0.60 L min⁻¹ the aerosol produced by the FBMN is formed by droplets smaller than 53 μm, and the Sauter mean diameter (D_3,2) and the median diameter (D₅₀) of the primary aerosols are 16.3 and 16.8 μm, and 20.4 and 23.3 μm with the FBMN and MM, respectively. The sample introduction system based on the FBMN successfully corrects matrix effects in As and Se determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry. The FBMN makes feasible the implementation of an on-line internal standard (I.S.) strategy by mixing the I.S. solution with analytical reference solutions or a sample solution directly in the spray chamber. It has been demonstrated that the combination of FBMN and In as an internal standard leads to better accuracy for determining As in a lake sediment.