Laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry in quantitative analysis and imaging of plant's thin sections

Laser ablation coupled with ICP-MS was used for quantitative imaging of the distribution of toxic and essential elements in thin sections of Pisum sativum L. (pea) tissues. A novel approach was applied for quantification of metal accumulation: instead of carbon we used sulfur isotope as an internal standard. Laser ablation was performed on in vivo cross-sections through areas of roots and stems, to examine peas' ability to uptake and transport metals to the above-ground parts of the plant. Ion intensities of 111Cd, 65Cu, 208Pb and 66Zn were measured in plant tissue together with 34S serving as an internal standard. Calibration curve was obtained using standard addition method NIST SRM 1515 Apple Leaves spiked with standard. Application of sulfur isotope as an internal standard was successful: analytical results obtained by LA-ICP-MS and ICP-MS analysis were comparable in terms of accuracy, precision and limits of detection.