The first edition of our Handbook was written in 1983. In the preface to the first edition we noted the rapid development of inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and its considerable potential for elemental analysis. The intervening five years have seen a substantial growth in ICP applications; much has happened and this is an appropriate time to present a revised edition. The basic approach of the book remains the same. This is a handbook, addressed to the user of the technique who seeks direct, practical advice. A concise summary of the technique is attempted. Detailed, theoretical treatment of the background to the method is not covered. We have, however, thoroughly revised much of the text, and new chapters have been added. These reflect the changes and progress in recent years. We are grateful to Mr Stephen Walton, Dr Gwendy Hall and London and Scandinavian Metallurgical Co. Ltd for their contributions. Chapter 3 (Instrumentation) has been rewritten by Mr Walton, the new Chapter on ICP-mass spectrometry has been written by Dr Hall, and London and Scandinavian provided much of the information for the chapter on metals analysis by ICP-AES. These chapters have been integrated into the book, and a conscious effort has been made to retain the unity of style within the book. New material has been added elsewhere in the book, archaeological materials are considered, pre concentration methods and chemometrics covered more fully.

Written for both experienced analysts and new graduates or postgraduates starting to use ICP-MS as part of their academic or industrial research, the ICP Mass Spectrometry Handbook provides a thorough description of ICP-MS instrumentation and techniques, giving the reader sufficient knowledge to approach the technique with confidence.

Since the introduction of the first commercial inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) instruments in 1983, the technique has gained rapid and wide acceptance in many analytical laboratories. There are now well over 400 instruments installed worldwide, which are being used in a range of disciplines for the analysis of geological, environmental, water, medical, biological, metallurgical, nuclear and industrial samples. Experience oflCP-MS in many laboratories is limited, and there is therefore a need for a handbook containing practical advice in addition to fundamental informa tion. Such a handbook would be useful not only to users new to the technique, but also to users with some experience who wish to expand their knowledge of the subject. Therefore we have written this book for users in a variety of fields with differing levels of experience and expertise. The first two chapters provide a brief history of ICP-MS and discussions of design concepts, ICP physical processes, and fundamental principles of instrument operation. Armed with this background knowledge, users will be better equipped to evaluate advantages and limitations of the technique. Detailed descriptions and information for instrumental components are provided in chapter 3. Subsequent chapters deal with the practical aspects of sample analysis by ICP-MS. Whether samples are to be analysed in liquid, solid ·or gaseous form is always an important consideration, and there is a wide choice of sample introduction techniques.