A review of multivariate designs applied to the optimization of methods based on inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES)

•Experimental designs are presented and discussed.•Multivariate designs are very useful to optimize analytical methods by ICP OES.•Multivariate designs are used in the instrumental variable optimization.•Sample decomposition, preconcentration step and sample introduction are discussed.

This review covers the application of multivariate designs and mathematical-statistical techniques to establish optimal conditions of the analytical methods for elemental analysis using inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP OES) as a detection technique. The main experimental designs, such as two level factorial design, central-composite design, Box Behnken design, Doehlert design and mixtures designs are presented and discussed in connection to the method stage, in which multivariate designs were used in the instrumental variable optimization related to plasma, sample decomposition, preconcentration stage and sample introduction technique.