Oct 15, 2009 · A 10 ppb multi-element standard (V, Mn, Fe, Cu, Zn, Ga) was prepared. The nitric acid blank, the multi-element standard, and each of the samples were introduced into the ICP-MS via a 100 μl/min self-aspirating PFA nebulizer (Elemental Scientific, Inc.). The nitric acid blank was used to rinse the nebulizer between each sample.