Matrix effects and suppression of sulfuric acid in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

The matrix effects of sulfuric acid and its suppression in inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry(ICP-OES) have been investigated.Influence of sulfuric acid with four concentrations ranging from 2% to 20%(V/V) on the emission intensities of thirty elements were tested.It was found that the emission intensities of all test elements could be visibly suppressed by different concentrations of sulfuric acid.The matrix effects of sulfuric acid could be overcome in the presence of 5%(V/V) acetic acid,and the emission spectral strength of analytical elements increased.The established analytical method was accurate,sensitive and simple.