Determination of trace metals by direct solid sample introduction and high power microwave induced nitrogen plasma atomic emission spectrometry

The possibility of using direct solid sample introduction coupled with high power microwave induced nitrogen plasma atomic emission spectrometry to determine trace metals in solid samples was investigated. The experimental results show that the solid powder sample could be readily introduced into the plasma with good stability and reproducibility by using a self-assembled solid sample introduction system. The relative standard deviation of the measurements could be controlled to be less than 1% for major components and less than 10% for minor components in the solid samples.