ABSTRACT
This chapter introduces the inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES) technique with a few references cited. One of the major advantages of the ICP-OES technique is its wide element coverage. Almost all elements in the periodic table can be determined by this technique. There are many sources of specific, detailed information on every aspect of the ICP-OES technique. In an ICP-OES, all samples are normally converted to liquid form first and then pumped by a peristaltic pump into the instrument. Echelle grating-based spectrometers present some unique advantages over the conventional grating-based spectrometers. The versatility of the ICP-OES makes it an almost ideal analytical technique for a wide variety of applications. Multielement analysis capability coupled with high sensitivity has made the ICP-OES a versatile tool for geological applications involving the determinations of major, minor, and trace compositio ns of various rocks, soils, sediments, and other relevant materials. Environmental samples cover too many sample types in ICP-OES applications.
