Uncertainty of high resolution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry based aerosol measurements

Simultaneous and multi-elemental method was optimized to determine 35 elements in 274 coarse and fine aerosol samples by using HR-ICP-MS. The procedures were validated. Measurement uncertainties of all elements including sampling uncertainties were calculated by applying bottom-up approach. The average recoveries obtained for each element ranged between 79% and 129% using NIST SRM 1648, urban dust. The calculated uncertainties of the analytical methods were between 2.9% and 18% for both sample types. The major contributions to the uncertainty budget come from the calibration curves, repeatability and volume of air.