Applications of ICP, DCP, and MP Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

The applications of plasma emission spectrometry are very broad. The technique is used for clinical chemistry biochemistry environmental chemistry geology specialty and bulk chemical production materials characterization of metal alloys, glasses, ceramics, polymers, and composite materials atmospheric science forensic science conservation and restoration of artworks by museums agricultural science food and nutrition science industrial hygiene and many other areas. The versatility of plasma emission spectrometry comes from its ability to determine a large number of elements rapidly in a wide variety of sample matrices and over a wide linear dynamic range. 

Biological and clinical chemistry applications of plasma emission spectrometry include determinations of those metals required for proper functioning of living systems, such as Fe, Cu, K, Na, P, S, and Se, in urine, blood, serum, bone, muscle, and brain tissue. Aluminum exposure was suspected of playing a role in Alzheimer s disease and A1 concentrations in blood and tissue can be determined by emission spectrometry. No link between exposure to aluminum and Alzheimer s 

Screen capture of garnet after two spot traverses. 50 pm spots, 4 Hz, 200 shots. Crossed polarized light. 

A garnet sample analyzed by laser ablation to determine spatial distribution of elements in the mineral. Two traverses of the laser beam can be seen. Each ablated spot is 50 pm in diameter. (Courtesy of Teledyne CETAC Technologies, Omaha, NE, www.cetac.com.) 

Courtesy of Tom Catalano, NYC Police Laboratory, Jamaica, NY Reprinted with permission from DeForest, RR., Petiaco, N., and Kobilinsky, L., Chemistry and the challenge of crime, in Gerber, S.M. (ed.). Chemistry and Crime, American Chemical Society, Washington, DC. Copyright 1983 American Chemical Society. 

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