A method for the determination of noble metals by microwave plasma tor
ch (MPT) atomic emission spectrometry was investigated. Aqueous sample
s were introduced into the MPT with a pneumatic nebulizer with continu
ous and flow injection modes. Ar was used as support gas and carrier g
as and the effect of some operating parameters and some concomitant io
ns on emission intensity were examined. The detection limits by this m
ethod are all at the level of nanograms per milliliter. (C) 1995 Acade
mic Press, Inc.