A universal and cost-effective method for the mitigation of interferences in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A universal and cost-effective method utilizing low sample uptake rate (50 μL min −1 ) combined with a mixed-gas plasma containing 1.1 % nitrogen is demonstrated to reduce oxide, carbon, and argide interferences while mitigating signal suppression from complex matrices. Low sample uptake rate also reduced nitrogen-based interferences in an argon plasma. On average, oxide interferences (ScO/Sc, YO/Y, ZrO/Zr, BaO/Ba) decreased by 94.0 % when comparing an argon plasma with 1 mL min −1 sample uptake rate to 50 μL min −1 in a mixed-gas plasma. Carbon-based, nitrogen-based and argide interferences decreased by 50.6 % to 95.5 % depending on plasma condition, sample uptake rate, and interference type. Furthermore, matrix-based signal suppression arising from 100 mg L −1 Na, Rb or Cs on 50 μg L −1 Li, Mg, Cr, Mn, Co, Sr, Y, and Pb were almost fully mitigated under both plasma conditions at low sample uptake rate, with an increase in matrix effect mitigation observed in the mixed-gas plasma. By minimizing sample waste and wear on costly instrument components, the enclosed method offers a greener solution for analytical laboratories, decreasing operational costs and increasing sample throughput without introducing significant error or uncertainty. Ultimately, this work can be universally implemented, without the need for costly instrument modifications or consideration for instrument make or model. • A cost effective and universal method for mitigation of interferences is provided. • Enclosed method reduces Sc, Y, Zr, and Ba oxide interferences by 94.0 %. • Carbon-based, nitrogen-based and argide interferences decreased by 50.6 % to 95.5 %. • Almost full mitigation of matrix-based signal suppression arising from Na, Rb or Cs.