Practical Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy

John R. Dean took his first degree in Chemistry at UMIST, followed by an M.Sc. in Analytical Chemistry and Instrumentation at Loughborough University of Technology and finally a Ph.D. and D.I.C. in Physical Chemistry at Imperial College. He then spent 2 years as a postdoctoral research fellow at the Food Science Laboratory of the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food in Norwich in conjunction with Polytechnic South West in Plymouth. The work was focused on the development of directly coupled high performance liquid chromatography inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry methods for trace element speciation in foodstuffs. This was followed by a temporary lectureship in Inorganic Chemistry at Huddersfield Polytechnic. In 1988 he was appointed to a lectureship in Inorganic/Analytical Chemistry at Newcastle Polytechnic (now Northumbria University). This was followed by promotion to Senior Lecturer (1990), Reader (1994) and Principal Lecturer (1998). In 1998 he was awarded a D.Sc. (London) in Analytical and Environmental Science and was the recipient of the 23rd SAC Silver Medal in 1995. He has published extensively in analytical and environmental science. He is an active member of the Royal Society of Chemistry Analytical Division having served as a member of the atomic spectroscopy group for 15 years (10 as honorary secretary) as well as a past chairman (1997-99). He has served on Analytical Division council for three terms and is currently its vice-president (2002-04) as well as chairman of the North East Region (2001-03).

Series Preface. 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.