This text provides a valuable and readily accessible, practical introduction to inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, serving both as a basic textbook for taught courses and also as a 'self-study' resource for those pursuing 'open learning/distance learning' forms of study.

Topics covered within this essential text include:
* Methodology for trace elemental analysis
* Sample preparation techniques for inductively coupled plasma spectroscopy, including those used for aqueous and solid samples, plus details of the various extraction procedures that can be used to prepare samples
* Sample introduction procedures for plasma sources
* The inductively coupled plasma and other sources used for atomic emission spectroscopy and mass spectrometry
* Fundamental aspects of atomic emission spectroscopy and mass spectrometry
* Spectrometers and detectors used for plasma spectroscopy
* Interferences in atomic emission spectroscopy
* Principles of inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS)
* Types of mass spectrometers used for ICP-MS
* Interferences in ICP-MS and their remedies, including collision/reaction cells
* Isotope dilution analysis
* A range of applications for this technique, including forensic science, industrial analysis, clinical/biological analysis, materials analysis, environmental analysis, food analysis and pharmaceutical analysis
* Sample data sheets that can be used to record information in the laboratory
* A comprehensive bibliography, providing information on how to keep up-to-date with the latest developments in this field, guiding the reader to more specialized texts and sources, including books, journals and recommended web sites

Practical Inductively Coupled Plasma Spectroscopy will be invaluable to those students studying at Foundation and BTEC (HNC and HND) levels, and for those pursuing BSc, MChem, MSc and MRes courses in analytical chemistry, as well as subsidiary courses in life, environmental and food science. In addition, it will be a useful guide to those using ICP, and related techniques, in applied research and analysis.