Development of an international standard for the determination of metals and metalloids in workplace air using ICP-AES: evaluation of sample dissolution procedures through an interlaboratory trial

• DOI: 10.1039/a807526c
• Publication Date: 2002-07-26T09:12:39Z
• Authors: Owen T. Butler; Alan M. Howe
• Keywords: Sample Preparation; Analytical procedures; Sample (material)

Inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) is rapidly overtaking absorption (AAS) as the method of choice for determination toxic metals in workplace air. However, few ICP-AES methods that have been published are not well characterised terms effectiveness sample dissolution procedures described and their validation status. The International Standards Organization (ISO) currently engaged developing ISO 15202, which will describe a generic metalloids airborne particulate matter by ICP-AES. One part proposed standard deals with procedures. work has supported project carried out authors' laboratory to identify, develop validate inclusion standard. This paper describes an interlaboratory comparison assess performance selected using samples collected on filters multiport sampler. Five were tested. These included ultrasonic agitation procedure, two hot-plate (based upon NIOSH 7300 OSHA ID 125G) microwave-assisted EPA 3052). It was shown use trial used internally at HSL generally gave equivalent performance. As expected, wider spread results obtained participants trial. More specifically, there exists some reservation regarding ability attack fully consistent basis resistant materials, e.g., chromium containing matter. Above all, demonstrated usefulness modern laboratory.