This method is for the determination of elements (metals) in a variety of matrices including soil, solid, and industrial wastes by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP/MS). The solid sample is digested using an accepted preparation method from SW-846 (Chapter 3). Acceptable methods include acid digestion by Methods 3031 and 3050B, acid dissolution by Method 3040A and microwave digestion by Method 3051A.
The method has been applied to over 60 elements in various matrices but the elements where EPA has demonstrated acceptability in solid and aqueous matrices in a multi-laboratory study are in the table below.
NOTE: This method is an update of and replaces Method 6020.
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| Hold Times, Preservatives, Preps, Collection, Analytical & Documentation | |
|---|---|
| Holding Time: | 6 months from sample collection to analysis for all elements except Hg which is 28 days from sample collection to analysis |
| Preservatives: | None specified by the method. |
| Required Preps: | 4 HDPE or glass bottle with Teflon-lined lids |
| Collection Method: | Grab sampling, SW-846 Chapter 9 |
| Analytical Methodology: | ICP/MS |
| Documentation: | 
6020B
|
| Analyte | Formula | CAS Number | Detection Limit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aluminum | Al |
7429-90-5 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Iron | Fe |
7439-89-6 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Lead | Pb |
7439-92-1 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Magnesium | Mg |
7439-95-4 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Manganese | Mn |
7439-96-5 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Mercury | Hg |
7439-97-6 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Nickel | Ni |
7440-02-0 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Potassium | K |
7440-09-7 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Silver | Ag |
7440-22-4 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Sodium | Na |
7440-23-5 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Thallium | Tl |
7440-28-0 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Antimony | Sb |
7440-36-0 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Arsenic | As |
7440-38-2 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Barium | Ba |
7440-39-3 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Beryllium | Be |
7440-41-7 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Cadmium | Cd |
7440-43-9 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Chromium | Cr |
7440-47-3 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Cobalt | Co |
7440-48-4 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Copper | Cu |
7440-50-8 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Vanadium | V |
7440-62-2 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Zinc | Zn |
7440-66-6 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Calcium | Ca |
7440-70-2 |
2 |
µg/kg |
| Selenium | Se |
7782-49-2 |
2 |
µg/kg |
* The analytes and detection limits listed for each method represent the typical detection limits and analytes reported for that particular method. Keep in mind that analyte lists may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Detection limits may also vary from lab to lab and are dependent upon the sample size, matrix, and any interferences that may be present in the sample.