Determination of trace elements in brown coals by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

A comparative study of methods for the decomposition of brown coal samples for the subsequent analysis by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry was performed in order to increase the reliability of the determination, to prevent analyte losses, and to extend the range of test trace elements in the brown coals of the Far East. It was found that a decomposition method should be chosen based on the ash content and the range of elements to be determined. An optimum procedure for the determination of 47 trace elements in the samples of brown coal consists of two decomposition methods: complete acid digestion with a mixture of nitric, hydrofluoric, and perchloric acids and decomposition by the fusion of coal ash with lithium metaborate.