ANALYSIS OF BIOLOGICAL STANDARD REFERENCE MATERIALS BY LASER ABLATION INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA MASS-SPECTROMETRY

Two plant-based standard reference materials, NIST SRM 1571 Orchard Leaves and 1573 Tomato Leaves, were analysed by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS). Analysis was undertaken using a ruby laser for sample mobilization with subsequent ionization and ion detection by the Surrey prototype research mass spectrometer. Calibration was based on the elemental values of Bowen's kale. System optimization is outlined. Analytical difficulties and two methods of internal standardization are discussed.