Minimizing interferences in ICP-MS/MS analysis of 16 elements in tumorous stem mustard using cool and hot plasma modes.

The composition and concentration of trace elements in plants are critical for consumption due to their nutritional value and safety implications. Therefore, it is essential to employ sensitive and accurate analytical methods for the determination of multi-element in plant matrices. In this study, a novel method was developed for the precise quantification of 16 trace elements, namely Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, As, Se, Sr, Mo, Cd, Hg, and Pb, in tumorous stem mustard (TSM) samples using ICP-MS/MS. The spectral interferences on Al, V, Cr, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Sr, Mo, and Pb were eliminated using a cool plasma/NH₃ reaction mode, whereas the spectral inferences on Zn, As, Se, Cd, and Hg were eliminated using a hot plasma/O₂/H₂ reaction mode. Under the optimized conditions, the limits of detection (LODs) for the analytes ranged from 0.026 to 4.81 ng g^-1; with the exception of Se, all other elements exhibited LODs below 1 ng g^-1. The relative standard deviations (RSDs) were between 2.4% and 6.2%. By rigorously controlling the reaction kinetics between metal ions and the reactive gases in the collision reaction cell (CRC) under various plasma conditions, the background equivalent concentrations (BECs) of the analytes were significantly reduced, thereby ensuring analytical stability over extended periods. In conclusion, the proposed analytical method demonstrated high sensitivity, robust trueness, and excellent precision. The integration of ICP-MS/MS with selective reaction modes under differential plasma conditions demonstrated substantial potential for multi-elemental determination in plant-based matrices.