ICP-AES Determination of 11 Heavy Metal Elements in River and Lake Sediments

The method was proposed for determination of 11 heavy metal elements (Ag, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sb, V and Zn) in river and lake sediments by ICP-AES with microwave digestion. The sample of sediments (0.100 0-0.500 0 g) was treated with 6 mL of HNO₃, 2 mL of HCl and 2 mL of HF in a microwave digestor under programmed temperature elevation. The digested solution was evaporated to near dryness at 130-140℃ and the residue was taken up with water and made up its volume to 50 mL. The sample solution was used for ICP-AES determination of 11 heavy metal elements. Analytical spectral lines were selected. Spectral interferences were overcome by background correction. Values of detection limits (3s) were in the range of 0.20-2.00 mg·kg^-1. The samples of sediments were used as matrix, and test for recovery was made by standard addition method, giving results in the range of 81.6%-112%, with RSDs (n=6) all less than 6.0%. CRMs (GBW 07360, GBW 07307a) were analyzed by the proposed method, giving results in consistency with the certified values.