Multi-element analysis in plastics by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

•LA-ICP-MS is a fast technique for the determination of Cr, Cd, Hg and Pb in plastics.•The method requires no extensive sample preparation.•The method volunteer to Green Analytical Chemistry.

A method for the determination of Cr, Cd, Hg, and Pb in plastics by laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is proposed. The laser ablation parameters were optimized to achieve maximum intensities and the lowest relative standard deviations. The obtained detection limits in the matrix-matched standard calibration were 1 mg kg−1, 2 mg kg−1, 1 mg kg−1 and 3 mg kg−1. The proposed method was confirmed with energy dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and interlaboratory proficiency test results. The analytical results obtained by the proposed method for Cr, Cd, Hg and Pb showed relative deviations between 0% and 40% from the assigned value of the proficiency test results and were within the 95% confidence interval. The proposed method can also be used for the simultaneous determination of other substances restricted by the RoHS directive.

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