A simple nebulization reflux system for use in ICP-AES

A simple and inexpensive recycling nebulizer for inductively-coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry has been devised by slightly and reversibly modifying a conventional external pneumatic nebulizer. Its performance was checked with a number of analytes (Ca, Cu, Mg, P, Pt) in aqueous and serum solutions. Results show that the system is entirely reliable provided that argon carrier gas is presaturated with water vapor. The use of a peristaltic pump even in the recirculating version was found to be essential for a proper functioning if complex media are investigated.