Practical Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy

Preface.

Acronyms, Abbreviations and Symbols.

About the Author.

1. Methodology for trace elemental analysis.

1.1 Introduction.

1.2 Analytical terms and their definition.

1.3 Units.

1.4 Calibration strategies.

1.5 Quality assurance and the use of certified reference materials.

2. Sample preparation for inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy.

2.1 Introduction.

2.2 Aqueous samples.

2.2.1 Liquid-liquid extraction.

2.2.2 Ion exchange.

2.2.3 Co-precipitation.

2.3 Solid samples.

2.3.1 Decomposition techniques.

2.3.2 Microwave digestion.

2.3.3 Dry ashing.

2.3.4 Fusion.

2.4 Extraction procedures.

2.4.1 Single extraction procedures.

2.4.2 Sequential extraction procedures.

2.4.3 Enzymatic digestion procedures.

3. Sample introduction for inductively coupled plasmas.

3.1 Introduction.

3.2 Nebulizers.

3.3 Spray Chambers and desolvation systems.

3.4 Discrete sample introduction.

3.5 Continuous sample introduction.

3.6 Hydride and cold vapour techniques.

4. The inductively coupled plasma and other sources.

4.1 Introduction.

4.2 Inductively coupled plasma.

4.3 Direct current plasma.

4.4 Microwave induced plasma.

4.5 Glow discharge.

5. Inductively coupled plasma - atomic emission spectroscopy .

5.1 Fundamentals of spectroscopy.

5.1.1 Origins of atomic spectra.

5.1.2 Spectral line intensity.

5.1.3 Spectral line broadening.

5.2 Plasma spectroscopy.

5.3 Spectrometers.

5.3.1 Sequential .

5.3.2 Simultaneous.

5.4 Detectors.

5.5 Interferences.

6. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.

6.1 Introduction.

6.2 Principle of operation.

6.2.1 Ion source: ICP.

6.3 Interface.

6.4 Mass spectrometer.

6.4.1 Quadrupole mass spectrometer.

6.4.2 Sector field mass spectrometer.

6.4.3 Ion trap mass spectrometer.

6.4.4 time-of-flight mass spectrometer.

6.5 Detector.

6.6 Interferences .

6.6.1 Isobaric interferences.

6.6.2 Molecular interferences.

6.6.3 Remedies for molecular interferences.

6.6.4 Non-spectral interferences: matrix-induced.

6.6.5 Remedies for non-spectral interferences.

6.7 Isotope Dilution Analysis.

6.8 Mass spectral interpretation.

7. Selected applications.

7.1 Forensic Science: Document analysis.

7.2 Industrial Analysis: Coal.

7.3 Clinical / Biological Analysis: Whole blood and urine       .

7.4. Materials Analysis: Gadolinium Oxide.

7.5. Environmental Analysis: Soil .

7.6. Food Analysis: Milk products.

7.7. Pharmaceutical Analysis.

8. Further Information.

8.1 Recording of information in the laboratory.

8.2 Selected resources.

8.2.1 Keeping up-to-date.

8.2.2 Basic understanding of inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy (and related issues)..

Appendix: Self assessment questions and responses.

Responses to Self-Assessment Questions.

Bibliography.

Glossary of Terms.

SI Units and Physical Constants.

Periodic Table.

Index.