Dm. Mcclenathan et al., Novel flow injection strategies for study and control of matrix interferences by inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry, J ANAL ATOM, 16(9), 2001, pp. 987-990
Inductively coupled plasma time-of-flight mass spectrometry is ideally suit
ed for use with flow injection because of its virtually simultaneous multi-
elemental and multi-isotope capabilities. Here, novel flow injection strate
gies are employed for characterizing matrix interferences, as a diagnostic
tool for detecting interferences and as a method for calculating the diluti
on factors necessary to overcome interferences. Gradient dilution flow inje
ction allows rapid characterization of interferences and avoids problems th
at arise in steady-state evaluations, such Lis orifice clogging and baselin
e drift. Unfortunately, more severe matrix effects are obtained with this t
echnique than in steady-state experiments. In addition, by calculating anal
yte ratios across the flow injection profile, it is possible to diagnose in
terference effects as well as to determine the dilution factors necessary f
or alleviating the interference. However, at this time, this ratio techniqu
e is not completely effective, as it is limited by element-specific dispers
ion Curves. Unlike conventional interference approaches that are often time
-consuming, these methods offer efficient alternatives for evaluating and p
ossibly avoiding matrix effects.