Direct Injection Nebulizer-Coupled Microwave-Induced Plasma for Atomic Emission Spectroscopy

Abstract

A micronebulizer/tangential torch configuration was used for the direct introduction of organic and aqueous aerosols into a 120-W argon Beenakker cavity plasma. Atomic emission was measured for Ca, Mg, Cr, Zn, Li, and Sr. Detection limits (3σ) with the use of aqueous standards were 40, 80, 180, 535, 9, and 90 ng/mL, respectively. Detection limits under similar conditions with the use of 50% methanol-aqueous solutions were 35, 107, 230, 10, and 127 ng/mL for Ca, Mg, Cr, Li, and Sr, respectively. Iodine detection in the helium plasma was evaluated in aqueous, 50% methanol-aqueous, and pure methanol solutions, with detection limits of 17, 25, and 42 μg/mL, respectively.