ABSTRACT
The performance of an inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometer was evaluated using Ar, Ba, Mg, and Ni as test elements. Short- and long-term stabilities were excellent with relative standard deviations lower than 2%. The warm-up times in axial, radial, and synchronous vertical dual view (SVDV) modes were 2 min. The limits of detection and quantification for As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Ni, Pb, Sb, Se, and U were evaluated and the values were compatible with Brazilian and the US Environmental Protection Agency legislation for potable water. A standard reference material of trace elements in water (SRM 1643e) was used to verify the accuracy for As, Ba, Cd, Cr, Cu, Ni, Pb, Sb, and Se in axial and SVDV. Both configurations provided suitable accuracy and sensitivity. The elements were successfully determined in three bottled commercial drinking water and in two fortified samples using SVDV.