Empirical procedure for the reduction of mixed-matrix effects in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry using an internal standard and proportional correction.

The matrix effects for single-matrix component (Na or Ca) and mixed-matrix component (Na plus Ca) systems were investigated for an inductively coupled plasma with radial viewing and employing ultrasonic nebulization. Correction for matrix effects was carried out using the internal standard ratio method and a method named 'proportional correction', both with scandium and yttrium as internal standard elements. The best correction was observed using proportional correction both for the single-matrix component systems and for the mixed-matrix component system.