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This thesis describes two different sample preparation strategies for inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), and their ability regarding multi element quantification in complex samples. Sensitivity, repeatability, reproducibility and accuracy were investigated. The aim was to increase the over all efficiency, the speed of analysis, and/or the sensitivity of the analytical method. The intention was to measure analytes with concentrations ranging from ng/g to mg/g simultaneously. The aim was additionally to study chemical and physical processes occurring during the sample preparation, the sample transport to the plasma, and the atomization therein. In the first sample preparation strategy, a hydrophilic highly cross-linked iminodiacetate-agarose adsorbent, IDA-Novarose, was used for preconcentration of metal ions, and matrix elimination in natural water samples. The sorbent was synthesized with different binding capacities. The effect of the capacity on preconcentration, matrix elimination, and uptake capability at high flow rates was studied. For a high capacity IDA-Novarose (≥ 45 µmole/ml) quantitative uptake was seen even at high flow rates (100 ml/min) for Cu2+ with a high affinity to the adsorbent, and for Cd2+ with a moderate affinity. For lower capacities the uptake of Cd2+ was affected by the sample matrix and the flow rate. A method based on the determination of the conditional stability constant of the metal sorbent complex was suggested for the prediction of the sorbent capacity needed to obtain quantitative recovery and optimal matrix elimination. The sorbent was used in a flow system with online buffering for the analysis of a certified riverine water (SLRS-3), tap water and lake water. With few exceptions the results obtained by ICP-AES after preconcentration agreed well with the certified concentrations and results obtained by ICP-MS. The other sample preparation strategy discussed is a method for non digested biological samples from different animal organs for the multi element analysis by ICP-AES. This “mix and measure method” consists of a simple homogenization of the sample with a mixing rod in a small amount of neutral media, followed by dilution and direct measurement with ICP-AES. The total time of analysis is only a few minutes. The ability of this fast method to accurately quantify some elements of toxic, environmental, and/or physiological concern with the lowest possible sample dilution and the highest possible plasma load was evaluated. In 10 % liver slurry Cd, Co, and Sr, at concentration levels around 0.05 µg/g were quantified simultaneously with P and K around 2000 µg/g and with several other elements in between (Al, Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Pb, and Zn). The relative standard deviation of repeated measurements of samples was around 5 - 6 % for regardless of the concentration of the element. The method was also used for fast screening of the elemental distribution in mice organs (brain, heart, kidney, liver, lung and spleen).