Direct analysis of alcoholic beverages for the determination of cobalt, nickel and tellurium by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry following photochemical vapor generation

A novel and sensitive method is described for the determination of Co, Ni and Te in alcoholic beverages by photochemical vapor generation combined with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. Volatile species of Co, Ni and Te were liberated from mixed formic acid and acetic acid media following exposure to a UV source. Limits of quantification of 0.5, 0.1, and 0.4 μg L− 1 for Co, Ni and Te, respectively, were obtained, which correspond to improvements 9, 35, and 3 times more over those obtained with conventional pneumatic nebulization. Method accuracy was demonstrated by comparison of the determined Co, Ni and Te concentrations with those obtained following sample digestion and determination using conventional solution nebulization for sample introduction, resulting in good agreement at a 95% confidence level.