Sampling and storage for speciation analysis

Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry Handbook 

In the following sections, we will discuss and introduce a number of sampling and storing strategies applied prior to speciation analysis. For the interested reader, comprehensive information on sample preparation strategies in speciation analysis can also be found elsewhere. 

The main problems encountered with sampling, storage and subsequent transfer into the ICP-MS for analysis are related to humidity, gaseous matrix compounds and the usually low analyte concentration, which necessitates analyte preconcentration. 

Storage under cryogenic conditions not only ensures that samples are in an inert atmosphere, in the dark, but also kinetically inhibits any reactions. 

Sampling in Tedlar bags has been employed when gas samples were taken in remote areas. Different volatile metal compounds (VMCs) of arsenic, tin and antimony were shown to be stable for at least a few days, provided they were stored in the dark to prevent UV-mediated decomposition.  

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