ICP-AES and ICP-MS quantification of trace elements in the marine macroalga Fucus sample, a new candidate certified reference material

To develop a Certified Reference Material (CRM) suitable for monitoring the ongoing pollution affecting the marina and coastal environment, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), in collaboration with the United Nations Environmental Programme (UNEP) and the Intergovernmental Oceanographic Commission (IOC), launched a project for the preparation of a new CRM based on the marine macroalga Fucus sample The authors' laboratory participated in the project as regards the analysis of As, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni, Ph, and Zn. Both inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and quadrupole inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) were used to this end. Complete digestion of the organic matrix and full mastering of both emission and mass spectra interferences were crucial to the obtainment of reliable data eligible for inclusion in the set of results chosen for the actual certification. (C) 1999 Academic Press.