Abstract
The operation of inductively coupled plasmas generated at atmospheric pressure in nitrogen or air in a modified 18 mm i.d. quartz tube assembly is evaluated for the analysis of aqueous solutions and fine powders. The instrumentation and detailed procedure for the generation of molecular-gas discharges are described. Limits of detection for nitrogen and air ICP discharges are compared, and for five elements at the same wavelength the nitrogen ICP produced significantly poorer values than the air plasma. The air ICP provided comparable values to those reported in the literature for argon. The sensitivity, signal-to-background ratio, and limits of detection for calcium were compared for argon, air, and argon with air central gas discharges with pneumatic and ultrasonic nebulization and for airborne calcium carbonate powders.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
