The Analysis of Major and Trace Metals in Waters Containing High Total Dissolve Solids Utilizing High-Resolution Inductively Coupled Plasma – Optical Emission Spectroscopy

Advancing Quality and Standardization for Environmental Metals Analysis
Oral Presentation

Prepared by J. Acapulco, J. Gantt
Analytik Jena, 14525, Kirby Dr, Houston, Texas, 77047, United States


Contact Information: [email protected]; 781-571-1802

ABSTRACT

Determining the major and trace metals in waters containing high total dissolved solids (TDS) such as fracking fluids is crucial since this enables the investigation of additive performance for process optimization, determination of recyclability for minimizing operational costs, and reduction of potential effects on the ecosystem for safe disposal. Aside from high TDS, high organic residual, and high particulate content can further contribute to the challenge of metal analysis in waters. Thus, it is important to have a robust plasma and a wide operating range to accurately and precisely measure concentrations in the range of µg/L to g/L under extreme matrix conditions. This study demonstrates the accuracy for standard certified reference materials, long-term stabilities, and excellent analytical spike recoveries, all within ± 20%, of fracking fluids from Permian Basin, Texas, United States, using the Analytik Jena PlasmaQuant 9200 Elite (PQ9200E) inductively coupled plasma – optical emission spectroscopy (ICP-OES). We present the determination of trace to major concentration levels of elements with a precision of < 3% relative standard deviation (RSD) achieved using the dual view plus feature of the PQ9100E. The high-frequency generator offers a plasma that is highly robust, ensuring consistent and stable signal intensity. These findings present a promise for the direct analysis of metals in waters under extreme matrix conditions.