| The studies undertaken in this thesis are the effect of plasma operating parameters on analyte signals in Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (ICP-AES) with axial viewing plasma and Direct Sample Insertion Inductively Coupled Plasma Atomic Emission Spectrometry (DSI-ICP-AES), the effect of the addition of oxygen into the coolant flows of DSI-ICP-AES and the application of ICP-AES to the analysis of rock samples.;An Optima 3000 XL (Perkin-Elmer) was used to study the effects of plasma operating parameters (nebulizer flow rate and RF power) on analyte signals in ICP-AES. Optimum parameter values for rock sample analyses were selected and detection limits were obtained.;The spectral interferences of Ca, Mg on analyte signals and K matrix effects were investigated.;Detection limits were obtained for both DSI-ICP-AES and mixed gas DSI-ICP-AES in pg range. The calibration curves were set up for Pb, Cd and Zn in solution residue (dynamic range is 0.001 to 1.0 ppm for Pb, 0.01 to 1.0 ppm for both Zn and Cd). |
