Processing of short transient signals in multi-element analysis using an ICP-OES instrument equipped with a CCD-based detection system in Paschen-Runge mount

A general protocol for the processing of short transient signals in multi-element analysis using an ICP-OES instrument equipped with a CCD detector system was developed. The performance of the optical system was optimized and the line positions set while using pneumatic nebulization for sample introduction, and the resulting settings were afterwards applied for the acquisition of transient signals, generated via electrothermal vaporization (ETV). The influence of the most important data acquisition parameters, sampling rate and integration time was evaluated for a wide spectral range. Subsequently, a MATLAB-based method was used for off-line generation of the 3D analyte spectrum, off-line BG correction and integration of the transient signals. The applicability of the approach developed was demonstrated via the determination of Al in two certified reference materials, one with low and another with high Ca concentration, using ETV-ICP-OES. Accurate results were obtained for Al, despite the significant overlap of the Al analytical line and the 'wing' of the matrix-related Ca line.