This document specifies the principles of inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and provides general directions for the use of this technique for determining elements in water, digests of sludges and sediments (for example, digests of water as described in ISO 15587-1 or ISO 15587-2). Generally, the measurement is carried out in water, but gases, vapours or fine particulate matter can be introduced too. This document applies to the use of ICP-MS for aqueous solution analysis. The ultimate determination of the elements is described in a separate International Standard for each series of elements and matrix. The individual parts of this document refer the reader to these guidelines for the basic principles of the method and for configuration of the instrument.