Method 6020B Solids

Inductively Coupled Plasma-Mass Spectrometry


This method is for the determination of elements (metals) in a variety of matrices including soil, solid, and industrial wastes by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP/MS).  The solid sample is digested using an accepted preparation method from SW-846 (Chapter 3).  Acceptable methods include acid digestion by Methods 3031 and 3050B, acid dissolution by Method 3040A and microwave digestion by Method 3051A. 

The method has been applied to over 60 elements in various matrices but the elements where EPA has demonstrated acceptability in solid and aqueous matrices in a multi-laboratory study are in the table below.

NOTE:  This method is an update of and replaces Method 6020.


(EPA SW-846)

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Method Data

Hold Times, Preservatives, Preps, Collection, Analytical & Documentation
Holding Time:   6 months from sample collection to analysis for all elements except Hg which is 28 days from sample collection to analysis
Preservatives:   None specified by the method.
Required Preps:   4 HDPE or glass bottle with Teflon-lined lids
Collection Method:   Grab sampling, SW-846 Chapter 9
Analytical Methodology:   ICP/MS
Documentation:   6020B

Analyte List*

Analyte Formula CAS Number Detection Limit
Aluminum
Al
7429-90-5
2
 µg/kg
Iron
Fe
7439-89-6
2
 µg/kg
Lead
Pb
7439-92-1
2
 µg/kg
Magnesium
Mg
7439-95-4
2
 µg/kg
Manganese
Mn
7439-96-5
2
 µg/kg
Mercury
Hg
7439-97-6
2
 µg/kg
Nickel
Ni
7440-02-0
2
 µg/kg
Potassium
K
7440-09-7
2
 µg/kg
Silver
Ag
7440-22-4
2
 µg/kg
Sodium
Na
7440-23-5
2
 µg/kg
Thallium
Tl
7440-28-0
2
 µg/kg
Antimony
Sb
7440-36-0
2
 µg/kg
Arsenic
As
7440-38-2
2
 µg/kg
Barium
Ba
7440-39-3
2
 µg/kg
Beryllium
Be
7440-41-7
2
 µg/kg
Cadmium
Cd
7440-43-9
2
 µg/kg
Chromium
Cr
7440-47-3
2
 µg/kg
Cobalt
Co
7440-48-4
2
 µg/kg
Copper
Cu
7440-50-8
2
 µg/kg
Vanadium
V
7440-62-2
2
 µg/kg
Zinc
Zn
7440-66-6
2
 µg/kg
Calcium
Ca
7440-70-2
2
 µg/kg
Selenium
Se
7782-49-2
2
 µg/kg

* The analytes and detection limits listed for each method represent the typical detection limits and analytes reported for that particular method. Keep in mind that analyte lists may vary from laboratory to laboratory. Detection limits may also vary from lab to lab and are dependent upon the sample size, matrix, and any interferences that may be present in the sample.