Determination of trace elements in rocks by optical emission spectroscopy: A new method of internal standardization

A method has been described for the determination of twelve trace elements (Pb, Sn, Cr, Co, Ni, V, Y, La, Zr, Cu, Zn, Sc) in different types of rocks using optical emission Spectroscopy (OES). The method employs a single set of synthetic standards for analysing any type of rock, basic, acidic or intermediate. When an external element, such as osmium, has been added to serve as internal standard, the analytical data showed poor precision. A new method of internal standardization has, therefore, been attempted. In this, a line due to silicon whose intensity is influenced by two adjacent Fe lines, has been used as the internal standard. Such an approach gave better presision (expressed in terms of coefficient of variation). Six international rock standards have been analysed and the data obtained have been compared with that previously reported.