Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP)

Inductively Coupled Plasma – Atomic Emission Spectroscopy (ICP-AES) determines trace metals, in solution. ICP is applicable to all of the elements listed in the above link (Toxic Metals). All matrices, including ground water, aqueous samples, (TCLP), (STLC), waste, soils, sediments, paint chips, dust wipes, air and other solid wastes, require digestion prior to analysis. Detection limits, sensitivity, and optimum ranges of the metals will vary with the matrices.The method measures element-emitted light by optical spectrometry. Samples are nebulized and the resulting aerosol is transported to the plasma torch. Element-specific atomic line emission spectra are produced by a radio-frequency inductively coupled plasma. The spectra are dispersed by a grating spectrometer, and the intensities of the lines are monitored by UV and Visible Solid State Detectors (Segmented Array Charge-coupled Device Detectors).