Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) is one of the most widely used and extremely important tools for trace element analysis. The technique is generally superior in accuracy, precision, detection limits, dynamic range, and relative freedom from interference than other analytical instrumentation.
The solution obtained shall be examined for the content of heavy metals by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES), also known as inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), or by atomic absorption spectrometry using a hydride or cold vapour process.