The first edition of our Handbook was written in 1983. In the preface to the first edition we noted the rapid development of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and its considerable potential for elemental analysis. The intervening five years have seen a substantial growth in ICP applications; much has happened and this is an appropriate time to present a revised edition. The basic approach of the book remains the same. This is a handbook, addressed to the user of the technique who seeks direct, practical advice. A concise summary of the technique is attempted. Detailed, theoretical treatment of the background to the method is not covered. We have, however, thoroughly revised much of the text, and new chapters have been added. These reflect the changes and progress in recent years. We are grateful to Mr Stephen Walton, Dr Gwendy Hall and London and Scandinavian Metallurgical Co. Ltd for their contributions. Chapter 3 (Instrumentation) has been rewritten by Mr Walton, the new Chapter on ICP-mass spectrometry has been written by Dr Hall, and London and Scandinavian provided much of the information for the chapter on metals analysis by ICP-AES. These chapters have been integrated into the book, and a conscious effort has been made to retain the unity of style within the book. New material has been added elsewhere in the book, archaeological materials are considered, pre concentration methods and chemometrics covered more fully.

Inhaltsangabe1 Introduction.- 1.1 Preliminary-purpose and scope of book.- 1.1.1 The ICP as a spectroscopic source.- 1.1.2 Applications of the ICP.- 1.1.3 Simplicity of the ICP technique.- 1.1.4 The literature of ICP-AES.- 1.2 Historic development of ICP spectrometry.- 1.3 Background to quantitative ICP analysis.- 1.3.1 Sample introduction (nebulization).- 1.3.2 Sample excitation system.- 1.3.3 Analysis and quantification of emission spectrum.- 1.4 Range of determinable elements in geological materials.- 2 Analytical characteristics.- 2.1 Introduction.- 2.2 Simultaneous analysis.- 2.2.1 Compromise operating conditions.- 2.3 Sequential analysis ICP system.- 2.4 Detection limits.- 2.5 Calibration range of ICP-AES.- 2.6 Interferences.- 2.6.1 Spectral overlaps.- 2.6.2 Stray light interference.- 2.6.3 Matrix effect.- 2.7 Precision and accuracy.- 2.7.1 Chemometric improvements to data quality.- 2.8 Experimental considerations.- 2.8.1 Solution volumes and sample weights.- 2.8.2 Number of elements determined in liquid samples.- 2.8.3 Number of elements determined in solid samples.- 2.9 The injection of organic liquids into an ICP.- 3 Instrumentation for ICP-AES.- 3.1 Introduction.- 3.2 Spectrometers.- 3.2.1 General requirements.- 3.2.2 Simultaneous spectrometers.- 3.2.3 Sequential spectrometers.- 3.2.4 Combined simultaneous/sequential spectrometers.- 3.3 Plasma torches.- 3.3.1 Nomenclature.- 3.3.2 The Greenfield torch.- 3.3.3 The Fassel torch.- 3.3.4 The Minitorch.- 3.3.5 Torch maintenance.- 3.4 Nebulizer systems.- 3.4.1 Introduction.- 3.4.2 Concentric pneumatic nebulizers.- 3.4.3 Cross-flow nebulizers.- 3.4.4 Babington-type nebulizers.- 3.4.5 Frit-type nebulizers.- 3.4.6 Ultrasonic nebulizers.- 3.4.7 Direct nebulization.- 3.4.8 Spray chambers.- 3.5 Radiofrequency generators and source.- 3.6 Electronics, computers and software.- 3.6.1 Software requirements.- 3.6.2 Trends.- 3.7 Fourier transform spectrometers.- 3.8 ICP-atomic fluorescence spectrometry.- 3.9 Direct current plasmas (DCP).- 3.10 Microwave plasmas (MIP).- 3.11 Choice of an ICP system.- 3.11.1 ICP-AES in relation to A AS.- 3.11.2 ICP-AES and X-ray fluorescence.- 3.11.3 ICP-AES and DCP emission spectrometry.- 3.11.4 ICP-AES and ICP-mass spectrometry.- 3.11.5 ICP-AES and other excitation methods.- 3.11.6 Evaluation of an ICP-AES system.- 4 Silicate rock analysis.- 4.1 Dissolution methods for silicates.- 4.1.1 Introduction.- 4.1.2 Fusion dissolution methods.- 4.1.3 Hydrofluoric acid dissolution methods-open evaporation.- 4.1.4 Hydrofluoric acid dissolution methods-closed digestion.- 4.2 Instrument calibration.- 4.3 Major element determinations.- 4.3 Trace element analysis.- 4.4 Rare earth element determinations.- 4.5.1 Introduction.- 4.5.2 Dissolution procedure.- 4.5.3 REE separation.- 4.5.4 REE spectral lines.- 4.5.5 Evaluation of results.- 5 Multielement applications of ICPS in applied geochemistry.- 5.1 The nature and evolution of applied geochemistry.- 5.1.1 Introduction.- 5.2 General aspects of applied geochemical analysis.- 5.2.1 Analytical requirements in applied geochemistry.- 5.2.2 Analytical quality control procedures.- 5.3 ICP instrumentation in relation to the requirements of applied geochemistry.- 5.3.1 Introduction.- 5.3.2 Translational interference effects.- 5.3.3 Rotational interference effects.- 5.3.4 Other instrumental constraints in multielement analysis.- 5.4 Decomposition procedures in applied geochemical analysis.- 5.4.1 Introduction.- 5.4.2 General aspects of large-batch analysis.- 5.4.3 Decomposition with nitric acid and perchloric acid.- 5.4.4 Decomposition with hydrofluoric acid, nitric acid and perchloric acid (test tube version).- 6 Gas phase sample injection.- 6.1 The development of gas phase injection methods.- 6.2 Methodology of the hydride injection system.- 6.2.1 Equipment.- 6.2.2 Operating conditions.- 6.2.3 Performance of the hydride generation/ICP system.- 6.2.4 Interference effects and their avoidance.- 6.2.5 Arsenic speciation methods.- 6.3 Applications