INDUCTIVELY COUPLED PLASMA (ICP) :

This is an analytical technique used for the detection of trace metals in environmental samples. The primary goal of Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) is to get elements to emit characteristic wavelength specific light, which can then be measured. The technology for the ICP method was first employed in the early 1960's with the intention of improving upon crystal growing techniques.  Since then, ICP has been refined and used in conjunction with other procedures for quantitative analysis.

An Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICP) can be used in the quantitative analysis in the following areas: -  

• Natural materials such as rocks, minerals, soil, sediment air, water, and plant and animal tissue
• Pure and applied geochemistry, mineralogy, agriculture, forestry, animal husbandry, chemical ecology, and environmental sciences
• Food industry, including purification and distribution of water
• The analysis of elements not readily identified by AAS such as Sulfur, Boron, Phosphorus, Titanium, and Zirconium