Inductive discharge as a method for direct detection of impurities in water

This paper reports on the excitation of atomic spectra of tap water vapor using an inductive discharge. It is shown that at a RF source frequency of 27 MHz and a plasma power output from 500 to 600 W, a steady discharge exists to pressures of 10^-2 atm. Plasma temperature was determined by the Boltzmann plot method and was approximately 5500 K. At this temperature, it was possible to detect sodium ions dissolved in water. This suggests that an inductive discharge in water vapor can be used to determine the presence of impurities. (paper)