Abstract. Plant matrix effects have been characterized during trace element analysis by axial view inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry with ultrasonic nebulizer. Six elements were studied: As, Cd, Co, Cr, Ni, and Pb. The interferences were simulated by measuring analyte signals on solutions containing various concentrations of elements encountered in mineralized plant samples such as K, Ca, Mg, P, Na, Fe and Mn. Signal suppression is observed for the ionic lines and signal enhancement occurred for atomic lines. The effects were found to be caused by particles and easily ionizable elements (EIEs) into the central channel of the plasma. The particle vaporization led to lower plasma temperatures and decreased emission intensities. EIEs changed the ion/atom ratio toward atom and improved the atomic emission intensities. Use of a plant sample on the analytical signal of trace elements led to same conclusions. The matrix effects can be removed by using high generator power especially for the ionic spectra lines.
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