A method was described for the sequential determination of eight elements (Zn, Pb, Cd, Ni, Mn, Fe, Cr and Cu) in industrial waste water by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The compromised operating conditions were established. Spectral intensity was reduced by the physical interference due to the change of mineral acids and salts concentration. In the determination of zinc, spectral interferences were observed in the presence of high concentration of copper,

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... kel, and iron at the Zn I 213.356nm line. However, at Zn I 213. 856nm line, the same net intensity for zinc was yielded regardless of these diverse elements. The lower limits of detection of eight elements obtained here were the lower values compared with the environmental quality criteria. Industrial waste waters were digested with HNO3, HNO3 -HCl , and HNO3-HClO4 followed by ICP-AES measurement. These results obtained (by three digestion methods) were almost consistent with each other. The result obtained by ICP-AES were in good agreement with those obtained by flame atomic absorption spectrometry. The ICP -AES was successfully applied to the sequential determination of eight elements in industrial waste water.