Although it is only 10 years since the introduction of ICPMS instruments, the technique has been readily accepted by analytical chemists. This has been mainly due to the capability of performing multi-element analysis with sensitivity only previously available with graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. With high sample throughput capabilities, the technique is very cost effective evidenced by the 35 instruments now operating in Australian of which over half are in commercial laboratories.

A number of applications of the technique have been developed for determining trace elements in a wide range of materials. A major area of application relates to environmental monitoring. Samples including waters, sediments and marine biota have been analysed for up to 12 heavy metals. The accuracy and precision ofthe method developed has been substantially improved by the use of stable enriched isotopes as internal standard elements.

The ability to measure isotopes provides the opportunity to make isotope abundance measurements with precisions of around 0.2 percent. A major advantage of isotopic abundance measurements was the study of the absorption of lead through the skin as a potential for increasing body burden. Lead isotopes have been used to study the environmental impact of uranium mining.The ICP is a very versatile source and a range of sample introduction techniques have been used.

Two procedures used have been the application of desolvated aerosols to minimise interference from background molecular ions and improve sensitivity. The other is the use of a graphite furnace whereby small volumes of samples can be introduced to the plasma by electrothermal means.

These applications will be described and their advantages over other spectrometric techniques discussed. After a decade of experience, the future for ICPMS will be discussed.