Errors in Isotope Dilution Caused by Matrix-induced Mass Bias Effect in Quadrupole Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry

Matrix-induced mass bias and its effect on the accuracy of isotope ratio measurements have been examined for a quadrupole-based inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer (Q ICP-MS). Matrix-induced mass bias effect was directly proportional to % mass difference, and its magnitude varied for element and nebulizer flow rate. For a given element and conditions in a day, the effect was consistent. The isotope ratio of Cd106/Cd114 under $200{\mu}g\;g^{-1}$ U matrix deviated from the natural value significantly by 3.5%. When Cd 111 and Cd114 were used for the quantification of Cd with isotope dilution (ID) method, the average of differences between the calculated and measured concentrations was -0.034% for samples without matrix ($0.076{\mu}g\;g^{-1}$ to $0.21{\mu}g\;g^{-1}$ for the period of 6 months). However, the error was as large as 1.5% for samples with $200{\mu}g\;g^{-1}$ U. The error in ID caused by matrix could be larger when larger mass difference isotopes are used.