Comparison of different analytical procedures in the determination of trace elements in lichens

A BCR standard reference material of lichen (CRM 482) was used to validate an analytical procedure consisting of a microwave oven digestion associated with ICP-OES, ICP-MS and GFAAS techniques for the analysis of trace elements (Al, B, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Ti, V and Zn) in biomonitor samples. Two different acid mixtures were used: (a) 7 ml of HNO3, 1 ml of H2O2; (b) 7 ml of HNO3, 1 ml of H2O2 and 200 μl of HF; all digestions were carried out using 100–250 mg samples brought to a final volume of 50 ml. The validation of the procedure was carried out by two laboratories in terms of accuracy and precision; the former was estimated as percentage recovery by comparing experimental data with certificate values; the latter evaluated according to ISO standard 5725. Real lichen samples were analysed too with the procedures above described. In certified CRM 482 and real lichen samples the procedure with HF showed higher recovery values for Al, Ti, V, Ba and Fe than the procedure without HF. For all the other elements the two procedures gave comparable results both in terms of accuracy and precision. The recovery obtained with HF procedure for all the elements was generally better than 90–103%.