the multi-element determination of al, cr, mn, ni, cu, zn, cd, ba, pb, so4= and cl- in riverine water samples was accomplished by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (icp-ms). the sample passed through a column containing the anionic resin ag1-x8 and the metals were determined directly. the retained anionic species were eluted and so4= and cl- were determined at m/z 48 and 35 correspondent to the ions so+ and cl+ formed at the plasma. accuracy for metals was assessed by analysing the certified reference tm-26 (national water research institute of canada). results for so4= and cl- were in agreement with those obtained by turbidimetry and spectrophotometry. lod's of 0.1 μg l-1 for cd, ba and pb; 0.2 μg l-1 for al, mn and cu; 0.5 μg l-1 for cr; 0.9 for zn; 2.0 μg l-1for ni , 60 μg l-1 for s and 200 μg l-1 cl were attained.
