Analysis of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb in seawater using the Nobias-chelate PA1 resin and magnetic sector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)

A method was developed using the chelating resin Nobias-chelate PA1 in an off-line pre-concentration manifold with magnetic sector inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) detection for analysis of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb. This multi-element method allows for the simultaneous extraction of eight samples in a closed column manifold. Standard additions to seawater demonstrated quantitative recovery and eliminated the need to use isotope dilution to account for non-quantitative recoveries of the metals on the resin. UV-oxidation of seawater samples before extraction was necessary to provide accurate total dissolved concentrations of Co and Cu. Samples (40 mL) were loaded onto the chelating resin column at a pH of 6.2 ± 0.3 after pH adjustment with a basic ammonium acetate (NH4Ac) solution. The columns were rinsed after sample loading with a weak (0.05 M) NH4Ac solution to remove the bulk of the major ions in seawater. The trace metals were eluted with 3 to 4 mL of 1 N Q-HNO3 and analyzed on a magnetic sector ICP-MS. This multi-element method is ideal for high sample throughput and quantification over a broad range of element concentrations with low blanks and detection limits. We report results here from the SAFe and GEOTRACES reference samples as well as the U.S. GEOTRACES Atlantic and Pacific Baseline profiles.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► Offline pre-concentration of trace metals in seawater with Nobias-chelate PA1 resin. ► ICP-MS detection of Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Cd, and Pb. ► UV-oxidation is necessary for accurate determination of Cu and Co. ► Standard additions to seawater showed quantitative recovery of all metals. ► Vertical profiles from the U.S. GEOTRACES Baseline inter-calibration stations in both the Atlantic and Pacific.