An instrument is described that allows for the simple interfacing of packed glass column gas chromatography with microwave induced plasma emission spectroscopic detection (GC-MIP) for trace organic, organometallic, or inorganic type analyses. The final GC-MIP instrumentation is an all glass-lined system, with an open-split type interface between the end of the GC column and the plasma discharge tube of the MIP detector. This interface permits the rapid and efficient venting of the GC solvent front, together with an efficient transfer of the sample analytes from the GC column to the plasma discharge tube. The overall instrumentation is inexpensive, simple to construct, relatively easy to operate, thereby permitting the routine use of GC-MIP for a wide variety of metal/non-metal containing organic, inorganic, or organometallic species. True metal speciation is also possible via this instrumental approach.