Multi-element determination in earthworms with instrumental neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry: A comparison

Earthworms were collected from agricultural fields in Admont, Graz, Piber and Gumpenstein, Austria. Six earthworm samples were investigated with INAA and with ICP-MS in parallel for the element concentrations of As, Ba, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Hg, Pb, Rb, Sb, Se and Zn. With both techniques 14 elements were analysed in a wide concentration range (ng/g to mg/g) GF-AAS and HG-AAS were used for verification of some element concentrations. A comparison of analytical results between INAA and ICP-MS was discussed. In general, good agreement between ICP-MS and INAA was obtained, the relative difference values of most of the elements are within ±20% range, however, a methodical error for the determination of Hg by ICP-MS was found.