All spectrometric techniques for elemental analysis are subject
to spectral interferences. The optimal method for a given sample is
often a compromise between minimising the respective interferences
affecting analytes and achieving acceptable detection limits
in view of the sample matrix and expected elemental composition.
In addition, there may be pragmatic concerns to minimise analytical
run time and expense. This paper describes the validation of
analytical methods for quantitation of several essential minerals
in peanut samples. In addition to conventional ICP-MS methodology,
we investigated the use of a reaction cell to minimise mass
spectral interferences.