Determination of rare earth elements in geological samples by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

The determination of rare earth elements (REE) in geological samples has become increasingly important in recent years as their physical and chemical characteristics have been widely studied. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is an ideal analytical technique for the determination of this elemental group, with good sensitivity and determination limits while offering a range of modes for sample introduction. If REE are separated from their matrix and pre-concentrated, using for example cation-exchange procedures, determination limits of better than 1 ng g-1 can be achieved. (author)