The main analytical techniques used for determination of trace elements in environmental samples include: Atomic absorption spectrometry (flame or electrothermal) (AAS, ET-AAS), atomic fluorescence spectrometry (AFS), inductively coupled plasma optical (or atomic) emission spectrometry (ICP-OES or ICP-AES), neutron activation analysis (NAA), X-ray fluorescence (XRF), proton-induced X-ray emission (PIXE), spark source or isotope dilution mass spectrometry (SSMS, IDMS), electrochemical (anodic stripping voltammetry and polarography) or inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS).