Trace Element Determination by ICP-AES and ICP-MS: Developments and Applications Reported During 2004 and 2005

This review describes significant developments in trace element determination using inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) that were reported in 2004 and 2005. It focuses on the application of ICP techniques to geological and environmental samples; fundamental studies in ICP-MS and ICP-AES instrumentation are not included. The literature reviewed indicated that the majority of new publications concerned advances in ICP-MS analysis rather than ICP-AES. However, ICP-AES developments are still being published, particularly in the areas of sample preconcentration and sample introduction. The trend in increasing publication of developments in hyphenated speciation techniques looks set to persist as knowledge of elemental speciation becomes critical for many environmental studies. Collision or reactions cells were the most reported technique for spectral interference removal in ICP-MS, probably reflecting the growing adoption of cell instruments in laboratories during the last few years.