Speciation of chromium using thermospray nebulization as sample introduction into inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A thermospray source was investigated as an interface between liquid chromatography and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Several parameters were optimized including the r.f. power of the plasma, liquid and gas heater voltages, temperature of the spray chamber and position of the capillary. Optimum conditions were used to demonstrate the interface for the speciation of chromium(III) and -(VI) using an anion exchange column. Detection limits for a few other elements were also determined using this interface and the results obtained from the standard reference material NBS SRM-1643c were in close agreement with the certified values.