A new sample introduction setup employing a low pressure spray chamber was applied for Hg determination simultaneously to other trace elements by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The system consists of a cyclonic spray chamber connected to a nebulizer and to a suction tube. A suction rate, optimized at 0.3 L min-1, was employed to induce reduced pressure inside the spray chamber. The plasma parameters were evaluated without and upon application of the low pressure spray chamber, and the only affected parameter was the nebulizer gas flow-rate. Memory effect for Hg was dramatically reduced using the low pressure spray chamber. Detection limits were obtained in the µg L-1 range for all elements. Digested certified reference samples were analyzed using the proposed system, and good agreement between certified and obtained values was achieved for all elements.
mercury determination; ICP-MS; spray chamber
