The multi-element analysis of unpolluted aqueous solutions is an important and often critical task for spectrographic instruments. For example, to ensure potability, municipalities and environmental contractors must test drinking water for elements — such as arsenic, mercury, selenium, antimony, and many others — that can have potentially toxic effects, even in trace amounts.
ICP-OES instruments are frequently used for these and other aqueous solution analysis tasks especially now that recent advances in technology have made some entry-level models much more affordable. ICP-OES instruments provide advantages such as multi-element determination capability, high dynamic linear range, excellent stability, and enhanced sensitivity.
This paper covers analysis of unpolluted aqueous solutions using an ICP-OES analyzer. Testing examined whether this instrument displayed required characteristics — such as high precision, exceptional stability, low detection limits, and efficient sample preparation — for fast, simultaneous determination of metals and other elements of interest.
