Determination of Rh, Pd and Pt in urine samples using a pre-concentration sequential injection analysis system coupled to a quadrupole-inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometer

The results obtained by using the developed flow system in the analysis of urine samples are presented. With a sampling rate of 9 samples h−1 (i.e., 27 determinations) and a sample consumption of ca. 10 mL, the developed flow system allowed linear calibration plots up to 100 ng L−1 with detection limits of 1.2 ng L−1 (Rh), 0.4 ng L−1 (Pd) and 0.9 ng L−1 (Pt). Repeatability studies showed good precision (R.S.D.%, n = 5): 3.7% (Rh); 2.6% (Pd) and 2.4% (Pt), for 10 ng L−1; 2.4% (Rh); 1.4% (Pd) and 1.9% (Pt), for 50 ng L−1; and 1.3% (Rh); 0.58% (Pd) and 0.62% (Pt), for 100 ng L−1. By spiking human urine samples, recovery tests were performed, and the values obtained ranged between 89% and 105% (Rh); 90% and 104% (Pd); and 93% and 105% (Pt).