Basic Training 4th Annual ICP Conference

Major Sources of Contamination

Solution B Element

Potential Contamination Source from Solution A

• Iron is the most difficult element to source, free of impurities. • Magnesium is not far behind.

Fe Fe

As Co Cr Cu

Al, Fe , C, Ca, Mg

Fe , Mg, K

• Zinc is the most common element to be found as a major impurity. • The most notable source of zinc is a container’s o-ring.

Al, C, Fe , Mg

Mn

Fe , Mg

Ni Zn

Al, C, Ca, Mg, P, K, Na

More Sources of Contamination • Deionized H 2 O

• Trace metals grade HNO 3 • Transfer materials used • Weigh boats • Pipet tips • Pump tubing • Bottle material • Bulk containers • Un-leached bottles • Dust particles