| Use: | Analyzing heavy metals. Since all atoms in a sample are excited simultaneously, they can be detected simultaneously which is the major advantage of AES compared to atomic absorption spectroscopy (see 7.1.1). |
Description:
Atomic emission spectroscopy (AES) measures the optical emission from excited atoms to determine analyte concentration. Analyte atoms in solution are aspirated into the excitation region where they are desolvated, vaporized, and atomized by a flame, discharge, or plasma. High-temperature atomization sources are used to promote the atoms into high energy levels causing them to decay back to lower levels by emitting light. Inductively-coupled plasma (ICP) is a very high temperature (7,000-8,000K) excitation source that efficiently desolvates, vaporizes, excites, and ionizes atoms.
The standard ICP-AES instrument is a radial configuration. Recently introduced models have an axial configuration, which can achieve lower detection limits. Each configuration has advantages and disadvantages; radial configurations have a proven track record but higher detection limits, while axial configurations have lower detection limits but may not be able reproduce results as consistently.
Analytes:
7. Metals
Media:
| Soil/Sediment | Water | Gas/Air |
| Requires extraction to liquid phase | Requires extraction | BETTER |
| Selectivity: | Technique measures the contaminant directly. |
| Susceptibility to Interference: | Low. |
| Detection Limits : | 100-1000 ppb (soil); 1-50 ppb (water). |
| Turnaround Time per Sample: | Hours. |
| Applicable To: | |||
| Screen/Identify | Characterize Concentration/Extent | Cleanup Performance | Long-Term Monitoring |
| SERVICEABLE | BETTER | SERVICEABLE | ADEQUATE |
| Quantitative Data Capability: | Produces quantitative data. |
| Technology Status: | Commercially available technology with limited field experience. |
| Certification/Verification: | Technology has not participated in CalEPA certification and/or CSCT verification program. |
| Relative Cost per Analysis: | Most expensive. |
Limitations:
EPA Methods:
| 6010B | Inductively Coupled Plasma - Atomic Emission Spectrometry. |
| 200.7 | Inductively Coupled Plasma (drinking water). |
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