MP-AES consists of a microwave induced plasma interfaced to an atomic emission spectrophotometer (AES).  It is used for simultaneous multi-analyte determination of major and minor elements. MPAES employs microwave energy to produce a plasma discharge using nitrogen supplied from a gas cylinder or extracted from ambient air, which eliminates the need for sourcing gases in remote locations or foreign countries. Samples are typically nebulized prior to interaction with the plasma in MP-AES measurements.  The atomized sample passes through the plasma and electrons are promoted to the excited state.  The light emitted electrons return to the ground state light is separated into a spectrum and the intensity of each emission line measured at the detector. Most commonly determined elements can be measured with a working range of low part per million (ppm) to weight percent (wt. %).  MP-AES is a technique comparable to traditional AA and AES but with several potential advantages including lower cost of operation and elimination of the requirement for flammable gasses.  MP-AES instruments are benchtop instruments.  While the technique is mature, there are a limited number of manufacturers supplying commercial MP-AES instruments.