This article describes a robust methodology using the combination of instrumental design (high matrix interface-HMI), sample dilution and internal standardization for the quantification of beryllium (Be) in various digested autopsy tissues using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry. The applicability of rhodium as a proper internal standard for Be was demonstrated in three types of biological matrices (i.e., femur, hair, lung tissues). Using HMI, it was possible to achieve instrumental detection limits and sensitivity of 0.6 ng L(-1) and 157 cps L ng(-1), respectively. Resilience to high salt matrices of the HMI setup was also highlighted using bone mimicking solution ([Ca(2+)] = 26 to 1,400 mg L(-1)), providing a 14-fold increase in tolerance and a 2.7-fold decrease in method detection limit compared to optimized experimental conditions obtained without the HMI configuration. Precision of the methodology to detect low levels of Be in autopsy samples was demonstrated using hair and blood certified reference materials. Be concentration ranging from 0.015 to 255 μg kg(-1) in autopsy samples obtained from the U.S. Transuranium and Uranium Registries were measured using the methodology presented.

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Several correction methods for several types of spectral and electrical interferences with a copper-vapor pumped dye laser system are presented. A tunable pulsed dye laser pumped with a copper vapor laser was used to excite the atomic fluorescence of Li, Na, In, and Fe and the atomic ionization of Li, In, and Fe. Correction methods used involved either modulation of the pulsed laser output and subsequent subtraction of noise or electrical bandwidth limitation of the signals to enhance the signal to high-frequency laser noise ratio. These methods are shown to provide a significant reduction in high-frequency interference, a major noise source with this type of pump laser. These three correction methods are shown to provide a significant improvement in the detection power of both laser-enhanced ionization and fluorescence methods. Limits of detection are presented for each correction method.

Laser excitation of ionic fluorescence overcomes the problem of spectral interferences encountered when trace analysis of the rare earths is performed by atomic/ionic emission spectrometry in the inductively coupled plasma. Two pulsed, excimer pumped, tunable dye lasers are used to excite ionic fluorescence of rare earths in an inductively coupled plasma. Since several fluorescence lines have been observed after laser excitation, it is possible to draw partial energy level diagrams for lanthanum, ytterbium, europium, and lutetium. Detection limits, linear dynamic ranges, and sensitivities are also reported. This is the first time that two-step excited fluorescence has been observed for any rare earths in an inductively coupled plasma.

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