Feature GFAAS ICP-MS

Atomic absorption Mass spectrometry

 Technique spectrometry
Electrothermal (graphite Inductively coupled plasma
 Atomization method furnace)
Measures light absorbed by Measures the mass-to-charge ratio of
 Detection principle atoms at specific ions
wavelengths
GFAAS provides higher Very high, can detect elements at
sensitivity for certain trace and ultra-trace levels
elements, as evidenced by its
superior detection limits for
chromium in solid samples (2
 Sensitivity ng g−1 for GFAAS vs 30 ng
g−1 for SS-ETV-ICPMS) [ref.
23-0].
But Lower for most elements
compared to ICP-MS
Typically in the low µg/L ICP-MS generally offers lower
range detection limits and better precision
High complexity increases compared to GFAAS. For example, ICP-
detection limits due to MS has a detection limit of 0.19
interferences. microg/l for selenium, while GFAAS
 Detection limits Proper digestion and matrix has a limit of 3.4 microg/l [ref. 8-0].
modification (if needed) can Can be in the pg/L or fg/L range
improve detection limits
Careful optimization can lead
to lower detection limits.
Small sample volumes Can handle wider range of sample
 Sample size required (typically < 100 µL) sizes
More susceptible to chemical ICP-MS is less affected by matrix
interferences from matrix interferences compared to GFAAS
requires careful management Less susceptible to interferences, but
 Interferences of matrix modifiers and some spectral overlap possible
conditions to achieve
accurate results [ref. 6-0].
Generally less expensive More expensive instrumentation
 Cost instrumentation
Requires careful Less complex operation, but requires
 Operational complexity optimization of furnace knowledge of mass spectrometry
program for each element principles
 Can be used for rhenium
determination, but requires
 Suitability for rhenium analysis proper matrix modification
techniques to minimize
interferences
Narrower linear range for
 Linear range rhenium compared to ICP-MS
Slower; each element requires a
 Speed of analysis separate furnace program and
analysis cycle
Not possible for most isotopes
due to limited resolution
 Isotope analysis
Requires frequent calibration
 Calibration requirements due to potential for matrix
effects and instrument drift
Simpler software for instrument
control and data analysis
 Software capabilities
More portable instruments
 Portability available, potentially useful for
field applications
Requires proper handling of
toxic or volatile samples due to
 Safety consideration high temperatures in the
furnace
Deuterium lamp background
correction can be used to
 Background correction minimize non-specific
absorption
More susceptible to memory
 Memory effects effects from previous analyses,
especially for volatile elements
Requires careful injection
 Sample injection technique to avoid splattering
and analyte loss
Limited source options (typically
argon)
 Plasma source
Single element detection
 Detection mode
Excellent technique for rhenium analysis
due to high sensitivity and minimal
spectral overlap
Wider linear range, allowing analysis of a
broader concentration range without
dilution
Faster; multi-element analysis possible in
a single run
Can be used to determine the abundance
of different rhenium isotopes, potentially
providing information on origin or
environmental processes
Less frequent calibration needed due to
lower susceptibility to interferences
More sophisticated software for complex
data acquisition, spectral deconvolution
(GFAAS), and isotope ratio analysis (ICP-
MS)
Typically larger and less portable
instruments
Generally safer operation, but proper
handling of solvents and potential
aerosols is still important
Various background correction methods
available (e.g., peak hopping, dynamic
reaction cell) for improved accuracy
Less prone to memory effects, but
residual contamination can still occur
Nebulization process can be affected by
sample viscosity and salt content,
impacting sensitivity
Various plasma source configurations
available (e.g., collision/reaction cell) for
specific interferences and element
detection
Multi-element detection possible,
allowing simultaneous analysis of multiple
elements in the sample