Determination of ultra-trace level 241Am in soil by triple-quadrupole inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry with mass-shift mode combined with chemical separation

The interference of polyatomic ions from interfering elements (Pb, Hg, Tl, etc.) is an important factor that limits the use of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in the measurement of ultra-trace level Am-241 in environmental samples. This study developed a novel analytical method to determine ultra-trace level Am-241 using ICP-MS with triple-quadrupole and collision-reaction gas (ICP-MS/MS). The interference of polyatomic ions from interfering elements was completely removed by the mass filter of the quadrupole and reactions with O-2, with the fake counts of interfering elements at m/z 257 or 259 (AmO+) lower than 0.01 cps and relatively high measurement sensitivity (1760 Mcps (mg L-1)(-1)). The detection limit of Am-241 was reduced to 0.017 fg g(-1) (corresponding to 0.0022 mBq g(-1)). Based on the chemical reaction of O-2 and collision focusing (and buffering) of the He gas flow, the Am sensitivity is improved and the interference of polyatomic ions from interfering elements (Pb, Hg and Tl) can be completely eliminated whether Cl- is present in the sample solution or not. The developed method was validated with a certified reference material of soil and also successfully verified with deep-layer soils with a low concentration of Am-241.

Automated summary

This study developed a novel analytical method using ICP-MS/MS to determine ultra-trace level Am-241. The interference of polyatomic ions from interfering elements was completely removed, resulting in high measurement sensitivity and low detection limit.