SUMMARY OF CONTENTS
Introduction Plasma Techniques Used in Slurry Analysis
Importance of Slurry Particle Size on
Analytical Performance Slurry Preparation Grinding Methods
Dispersion of Slurries Magnetic Stirring and Vortex Mixing
Ultrasonic Agitation
Solid Particle Size Distribution Measurements Influence of Slurry
Concentration Modifications to the Sample Introduction System
Nebulizers
Spray Chambers
Torches
Use of a Sheathing Gas
Use of a Tandem Source
Use of Flow Injection
Use of an Inverted Geometry Plasma
Calibration Techniques Aqueous Calibration
Use of Internal Standards
Use of Standard Additions
Use of Empirical Correction Factors
Use of Intrinsic Internal Standardization
Use of Standard Slurries
Optimization Use of Mixed Gas Plasmas Matrix Effects Fundamental
Studies Aerosol Formation, Transportation and Loss
Temperature Measurements
Applications of Slurry Sample Nebulization into Plasmas References

Slurry nebulization in plasmas

ICP and DCP emission spectrometry for trace element analysis in biomedical and environmental samples. A review

A study of some techniques for direct solids sampling in plasma spectrometry

Methods for atomic spectrometry are discussed in view of progress for elemental trace analysis and with special reference to progress in power of detection and in analytical reliability as well as with respect to economic aspects. Optical methods basing on atomic emission, absorption and fluorescence principles as well as related techniques (optogalvanic spectroscopy and coherent forward scattering), X-ray spectrometry and mass spectrometry are treated. The state-of-the-art, trends of development and new techniques such as special sample introduction for plasma spectrometry, glow discharges, laser enhanced ionization spectrometry with a thermionic diode, X-ray spectrometry with total reflection, plasma and glow discharge mass spectrometry are drawn up. Their potential interest from the point of power of detection, multielement capacity, interferences, capabilities for micro- and local analysis and speciation is compared with that of other methods for elemental analysis.

Recent developments in atomic spectrometry methods for elemental trace determinations

A new design for a direct sample insertion system is presented. It is a mechanical system that allows precise movement of the sample cup into the ICP discharge and it can be readily attached to standard commercial ICP spectrometers. Good quantitative results can be obtained for volatile elements with reasonable precision and low detection limits with the use of 10 μL of solution or 10 mg of powdered samples.

Performance of a Direct Sample Insertion System for the Inductively Coupled Plasma

A microprocessor-controlled graphite rod direct sample insertion device for use with an inductively coupled plasma is described and the accompanying software design is illustrated. The energy of the rf field and the plasma itself is used to carry out the programed sample drying and ashing stages prior to analyte vaporization. The rod position for drying aqueous solutions and for ashing an aqueous solution containing organic material has also been investigated. Automation of the graphite rod insertion device in the manner described improves the precision attainable by this technique; the system is shown to be suitable for trace element determinations in small liquid samples or directly with small solid samples.

M. J. Cope

Papers

A Microprocessor-Controlled Graphite Rod Direct Sample Insertion Device for Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry