ASTM International

Standard Test Method for Determination of Elements in Airborne Particulate Matter by Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry
 N D7439

Annotation

This standard test method specifies a procedure for sample preparation and analysis of airborne particulate matter for the content of metals and metalloids in workplace air samples using inductively coupled plasma–mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). This test method can be used for other air samples provided the user ensures the validity of the test method (by ensuring that appropriate data quality objectives can be achieved).

This standard test method assumes that samples will have been collected in accordance with Test Method D7035.

This standard test method should be used by analysts experienced in the use of ICP-MS, the interpretation of spectral and matrix interferences and procedures for their correction.

This standard test method specifies a number of alternative methods for preparing test solutions from samples of airborne particulate matter. One of the specified sample preparation methods is applicable to the measurement of soluble metal or metalloid compounds. Other specified methods are applicable to the measurement of total metals and metalloids.

It is the user's responsibility to ensure the validity of the standard method for filters of untested matrices.

Table 1 provides a non-exclusive list of metals and metalloids for which one or more of the sample dissolution methods specified in this document is applicable.

This standard test method is not applicable to compounds of metals and metalloids that are present in the gaseous or vapor state.

No detailed operating instructions are provided because of differences among various makes and models of suitable ICP-MS instruments. Instead, the analyst shall follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer of the particular instrument. This test method does not address comparative accuracy of different devices or the precision between instruments of the same make and model.