Comparative study of magnesium and calcium in Codonopsis pilosula samples detected by CF-LIBS and LCGD-AES

Emission spectra of Codonopsis pilosula samples from nine habitats were measured using calibration-free laser-induced breakdown spectroscopy (CF-LIBS) and liquid cathode glow discharge-atomic emission spectrometry (LCGD-AES). Based on the measured spectra, the elements in the samples and the corresponding compositions were determined, and the results were compared with those from inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) by using the Mg/Ca ratios. In addition, an estimation of the plasma parameters was considered and the stability of the results from both analytical methods was discussed.