Measurement of trace elements in aqueous solutions using inductively coupled argon plasma atomic emission spectrometry

Inductively coupled argon plasma atomic emission spectrometry is usually not the method of choice for the analysis of many trace elements at concentrations of environmental concern. The method is limited, not so much by spectral or other theoretical considerations, but by sample introduction techniques. In this paper, several nebulization techniques, such as concentric, cross-flow, ultrasonic, as well as hydride techniques, are reviewed and compared. Results are presented, which include limits of detection, precision, accuracy, and spike recoveries, for actual power plant effluent and river waters