Investigation of thallium hydride generation using in situ trapping in graphite tube by atomic absorption spectrometry

Thallium hydride was generated from aqueous solutions by merging sample and sodium tetrahydroborate reductant in a batch system. In situ preconcentration of volatile thallium hydride in a preheated graphite furnace coated with palladium, which was used as both the collection medium and atomizer, greatly improved the sensitivity for the determination of thallium by hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry. The presence of tellurium can increase the generation efficiency of thallium hydride. The operating conditions were optimized. The calibration graph is linear up to 100 ng and the characteristic mass for thallium was 0.92 ng which is seventeen times lower than that obtained with the heated quartz tube atomizer.     

Comparison of modifiers for determination of arsenic, antimony and selenium by atomic absorption spectrometry with atomization in graphite tube or hydride generation and in-situ preconcentration in graphite tube

The study was performed to compare the effect of magnesium modifier (magnesium nitrate) with that of other modifiers (palladium nitrate and nickel nitrate) in determination of arsenic, antimony and selenium by atomic absorption spectroscopy with atomization in a graphite tube, with generation of hydrides and in situ preconcentration in a graphite tube. The assumed criterion of a modifier performance was the magnitude of the analytical signal. It was found that in determinations with atomization in a graphite furnace the effects of all these modifiers were comparable, while in those with hydride generation and in situ preconcentration in a graphite tube the magnesium modifier showed poorer performance (25% decrease of the analytical signal). In determinations of arsenic and selenium the analytical signal obtained with magnesium salt as a modifier was comparable with those obtained in the presence of all other modifiers.     

Determination of selenium in blood plasma and serum by flow injection hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry

A flow injection hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometric (AAS) method has been used to determine the selenium concentrations of human serum and plasma samples following digestion with nitric, sulphuric and perchloric acids. In the hydride generation process, reduction was carried out by sodium tetrahydroborate to produce a hydride that was atomized in a flame-heated atomisation cell. The method had a detection limit of 1.2 ng ml-1 and a sensitivity of 2.1 ng ml-1. Within-run precisions of 5.8% at 20 ng ml-1 and 4.5% at 80 ng ml-1, and between-run precisions of 4.8% at 69 ng ml-1 and 3.4% at 80 ng ml-1 were obtained. An inter-laboratory comparison study with a graphite furnace AAS method was carried out and the results showed excellent agreement. The flow injection method of sample introduction allowed the use of a sample volume of 330 microliters with an injection rate of 90 injections per hour.     

Determination of antimony, arsenic, bismuth, selenium, tellurium and tin by low pressure atomic absorption spectrometry with a quartz tube furnace atomizer and hydride generation with air addition

A new method has been developed for the determination of antimony, arsenic, bismuth, selenium, tellurium and tin by hydride generation-atomic absorption spectrometry in an electrically heated quartz tube furnace under sub-atmospheric pressure. The hydride generator, operating at a pressure lower than atmospheric, is used to generate and collect the hydrides of these elements. A certain volume (at atmospheric pressure) of air is then added to the generator after the formation of the volatile hydride. The gaseous mixture of the hydride and air is drawn into an evacuated, heated quartz tube by a vacuum pump. The proposed method gives improved sensitivities and detection limits.     

Speciation of major arsenic species in seawater by flow injection hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry

Arsenic present at 1 microg L(-1) concentrations in seawater can exist as the following species: As(III), As(V), monomethylarsenic, dimethylarsenic and unknown organic compounds. The potential of the continuous flow injection hydride generation technique coupled to atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was investigated for the speciation of these major arsenic species in seawater. Two different techniques were used. After hydride generation and collection in a graphite tube coated with iridium, arsenic was determined by AAS. By selecting different experimental hydride generation conditions, it was possible to determine As(III), total arsenic, hydride reactive arsenic and by difference non-hydride reactive arsenic. On the other hand, by cryogenically trapping hydride reactive species on a chromatographic phase, followed by their sequential release and AAS in a heated quartz cell, inorganic As, MMA and DMA could be determined. By combining these two techniques, an experimental protocol for the speciation of As(III), As(V), MMA, DMA and nonhydride reactive arsenic species in seawater was proposed. The method was applied to seawater sampled at a Mediterranean site and at an Atlantic coastal site. Evidence for the biotransformation of arsenic in seawater was clearly shown.     

Investigation of reactions involved in graphite furnace atomic absorption procedures: Part 12. A study of some factors influencing the determination of selenium

An experimental and theoretical study of various factors influencing the determination of selenium by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (g.f.a.a.s.) is reported. It is shown that the atomization efficiency can be increased as compared to the L'vov platform technique by means of a constant temperature furnace as a consequence of the possibility of choosing a higher atomization temperature. This is explained by means of high temperature equilibrium calculations, which include the formation of the thermodynamically relatively stable gaseous diselenium, hydrogen selenide and selenium sulphide. The extent of losses of selenium during thermal pretreatment was established by measurements with ⁷⁵Se for different types of selenium compounds, Se(-II)-methionine, selenite and selenate, in aqueous solutions as well as in chloride and sulphate matrices. It is shown that the addition of 20 μg of nickel is effective in stabilizing Se(IV) and Se(VI) in the presence of sodium chloride, sodium sulphate and pure water. However, in the presence of both an organic matrix (glucose) and sodium chloride, nickel is shown to lose its stabilizing effect.     

Automation of a graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry system with a Z80-based microcomputer

A microprocessor was used to control the operation of an atomic absorption spectrometer and a graphite-furnace atomizer. The system allows complete and flexible control of the graphite furnace heating program and active feedback with an optical temperature sensor, control of purge gas flows, and control of an autosampler. With micro-processor control, the graphite furnace can be heated from 0 to 2500°C in about 3 s with little or no overshoot. Reproducibility data for cadmium to oyster tissue gave relative standard deviations between 1.3 and 3.3% with microprocessor control and between 2.1 and 7.8% without control. Digitized data may be plotted and stored on disk.     

Nickel and strontium nitrates as modifiers for the determination of selenium in wine by Zeeman electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A mixed matrix modifier of nickel and strontium nitrates was used as a chemical modifier for the determination of selenium in wines by Zeeman electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Wine samples were heated on a boiling water bath with small amounts of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. For complete elimination of interference, especially from sulfates and phosphates, selenium is complexed with ammonium pyrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDTC), extracted into methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), and measured by ETAAS. The graphite furnace temperature program was optimized for both aqueous and organic solutions. Pyrolysis temperatures of 1300 degrees C and 800 degrees C were chosen for aqueous and organic solutions, respectively; 2700 degrees C and 2100 degrees C were used as optimum atomization temperatures for aqueous and organic solutions, respectively. The optimum modifier mass established is markedly lower than those presented in the literature. The platform atomization ensures pretreatment stabilization up to 1100 degrees C and 1600 degrees C, respectively, for organic and aqueous selenium solutions. The procedure was verified by the method of standard addition. The investigated wine samples originated from the different regions of the Republic of Macedonia. The selenium concentration varied from not detectable to 0.93 microg L(-1).     

The deterioration of closed silica tubes in hydride-generation atomic absorption spectrometry

Under the conditions normally encountered in hydride evolution for atomic absorption spectrometry, devitrification of quartz to β-cristobalite occurs. For selenium, this devitrification is detrimental to the analytical characteristics of the method. Analytical performance and the life-span of the atomizer can be dramatically improved by the use of sulfuric acid instead of hydrochloric acid in the generation medium. An attempt is made to explain the deterioration and its possible influence on the atomization of hydrogen selenide.     

Speciation of major arsenic species in seawater by flow injection hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry

Arsenic present at 1 μg L^–1 concentrations in seawater can exist as the following species: As(III), As(V), monomethylarsenic, dimethylarsenic and unknown organic compounds. The potential of the continuous flow injection hydride generation technique coupled to atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) was investigated for the speciation of these major arsenic species in seawater. Two different techniques were used. After hydride generation and collection in a graphite tube coated with iridium, arsenic was determined by AAS. By selecting different experimental hydride generation conditions, it was possible to determine As(III), total arsenic, hydride reactive arsenic and by difference non-hydride reactive arsenic. On the other hand, by cryogenically trapping hydride reactive species on a chromatographic phase, followed by their sequential release and AAS in a heated quartz cell, inorganic As, MMA and DMA could be determined. By combining these two techniques, an experimental protocol for the speciation of As(III), As(V), MMA, DMA and non-hydride reactive arsenic species in seawater was proposed. The method was applied to seawater sampled at a Mediterranean site and at an Atlantic coastal site. Evidence for the biotransformation of arsenic in seawater was clearly shown.     

Screening-method for organotins by elimination of the inorganic tin matrix using a coupling of hydride generation (HG) and transversely heated graphite atomizer-atomic absorption spectrometry (THGA-AAS)

A selective detection method for organotin compounds by elimination of the inorganic tin matrix has been worked out using a coupling of the hydride generation technique (HG) with transversely heated graphite atomizer-atomic absorption spectrometry (THGA-AAS). The suppression of the inorganic tin matrix bases on the utilization of kinetic interferences during the hydride generation step avoiding expensive chromatographic separation techniques. For the different organotins this method delivers detection limits in the range 0.9–1.2 μg/L using a 500 μL sample loop. In comparison with the fully automated determination system this modification represents an efficient screening-method for the determination of organotin in environmental samples allowing fast and inexpensive monitoring.     

Determination of Ni and Cr in soils by slurry graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

The analytical conditions for chromium and nickel determination in soils by slurry sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) are presented. Stability tests for slurries have been carried out. The ratio of the amount of the analyte found in the liquid phase to the total amount is investigated. The influence of the soil matrix on the background is described. Less sensitive resonance lines of chromium rather than an internal gas flow through the graphite furnace are recommended for some soil samples with high contents of chromium.     

Nickel and strontium nitrates as modifiers for the determination of selenium in wine by Zeeman electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A mixed matrix modifier of nickel and strontium nitrates was used as a chemical modifier for the determination of selenium in wines by Zeeman electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Wine samples were heated on a boiling water bath with small amounts of nitric acid and hydrogen peroxide. For complete elimination of interference, especially from sulfates and phosphates, selenium is complexed with ammonium pyrolidinedithiocarbamate (APDTC), extracted into methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK), and measured by ETAAS. The graphite furnace temperature program was optimized for both aqueous and organic solutions. Pyrolysis temperatures of 1300?°C and 800?°C were chosen for aqueous and organic solutions, respectively; 2700?°C and 2100?°C were used as optimum atomization temperatures for aqueous and organic solutions, respectively. The optimum modifier mass established is markedly lower than those presented in the literature. The platform atomization ensures pretreatment stabilization up to 1100?°C and 1600?°C, respectively, for organic and aqueous selenium solutions. The procedure was verified by the method of standard addition. The investigated wine samples originated from the different regions of the Republic of Macedonia. The selenium concentration varied from not detectable to 0.93 μg L^–1.     

Butyltin speciation in sediments and biological samples by hydride generation gas chromatography quartz furnace atomic absorption spectrometry; a study of acid leaching procedures and hydride generation

The efficiency of the extraction of butyltin compounds from sediments and biological matter by acid leaching procedures has been evaluated on real samples using the hydride generation gas chromatography quartz furnace atomic absorption (GC AA) speciation method. The most efficient method uses cold pure acetic acid over a period of four hours. Hydride generation using sodium tetrahydroborate (NaBH₄) is dependent on matrix composition and care must be taken to adapt the amount of reactant to the organic content of the sample.     

Determination of thallium by furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

The analytical conditions for the determination of thallium by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry were studied and optimized using the peak-height mode. The charring-atomization curves for thallium from different atomization surfaces were constructed and the optimum charring and atomization conditions were established. These atomization surfaces included pyrolytic graphite-, tantalum-, zirconium- and tungsten-coated graphite tubes. The effects of different inorganic acids on the absorbance of thallium from different surfaces were studied. Using tungsten carbide-coated tubes, the interference effects due to hydrochloric and perchloric acids were eliminated. The matrix modification technique was also investigated for increasing the maximum permissible charring temperature for thallium. The matrix modifiers used included tungsten, zirconium, nickel and tantalum. The effect of adding these modifiers were studied in the presence of different acids. Tungsten increased the maximum permissible charring temperature from 400 to 1000 °C.     

Use of a surfactant in the determination of arsenic by flow injection hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry

The possible benefits of the addition of an anionic surfactant, didodecyldimethylammonium bromide, in the determination of arsenic, by flow injection hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry using a flame-heated quartz tube atomizer, were studied in the light of previous reports concerning the effects of surfactants on chemical vapor generation procedures. Concentrations of arsenic between 5 and 30 μg l⁻¹ were used. Calibrations in the presence and absence of the surfactant in the sample solution were not significantly different, either for the case where vesicles were formed in the presence of the analyte or where they were preformed in the surfactant solution and then added to the analyte. The surfactant had no effect on recoveries in the presence of copper, nickel or bismuth. The addition of the surfactant to the acid carrier and/or borohydride streams had no effect. It is proposed that there may be a greater role for surfactants in the improvement of the processes by which the hydride is transferred to the bulk gas phase than has been attributed in previous reports on this subject.     

Determination of selenium in infant foods using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with direct slurry sample introduction

Slurry sampling electrothermal atomic absorption (SS ETAAS) was applied to the development of a sensitive and precise method for selenium determination in infant foods without sample pretreatment. Suspensions prepared in a medium containing 0.1% Triton X-100, 0.5 or 5% v/v concentrated HNO₃ were directly introduced into the furnace. The accuracy of the procedure was confirmed by analysis of a standard reference material and comparison with hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometric (HGAAS) procedure. The characteristic mass is 44 pg and detection limit 0.43 μg·l⁻¹.     

Different platform and tube geometries and atomization temperatures in graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry: Cadmium determination in whole blood as a case study

In the present work the performance of different platform and tube geometries and atomization temperatures in graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was investigated, using the determination of Cd in whole blood as an example. Grooved, integrated and fork platforms as well as atomization temperatures between 1200 °C and 2200 °C were investigated in a longitudinally heated graphite atomizer and compared with the performance of a transversely heated furnace. In the longitudinally heated furnace the increase of the atomization temperature in the studied range resulted in an increase of matrix effects for all platform geometries. The integrated platform exhibited slightly lower sensitivity and increased multiplicative interferences in comparison to the other two platform designs. Interference-free Cd determination was possible with all types of platforms and 1200 °C as the atomization temperature as well as with grooved and fork platforms at 1700 °C. On the other hand, lower atomization temperatures resulted in poorer limits of detection, due to the longer integration time needed. No matrix effect was observed at any atomization temperature using the transversely heated atomizer; in addition, limits of detection were better than those observed with the longitudinally heated atomizer. Best values were around 0.02 μg L^− 1 with the latter atomizer compared to values around 0.02 μg L^− 1 with the former one.     

Determination of arsenic and antimony in water and soil by hydride generation and atomic absorption spectroscopy

Summary A colorimetric field method for the determination of As and Sb was compared with atomic absorption (AA) techniques using both graphite furnace atomic absorption and the hydride generating technique with the heated quartz cell.During the intercomparison experiments the importance of the addition of KI before the addition of the NaBH₄ reagent to the sample was clearly demonstrated. Compared with the colorimetric technique the AA hydride technique with the heated quartz cell was found to suffer from interferences by other hydride forming elements. Slow addition of NaBH₄ (5 min in case of the colorimetric method) results in a longer reaction time giving a complete transformation of the hydride forming elements. The work also includes the optimization of various analytical parameters with respect to the hydride technique.

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Bestimmung von Arsen und Antimon im Wasser und Boden durch Natriumborhydrid-Reduktion und Atomabsorptionsspektrometrie

Zusammenfassung Eine colorimetrische Feldmethode wird mit den Labormethoden der Atomabsorptionsspektrometrie verglichen, wobei sowohl auf die Quarzrohrmethode als auch die Graphitofenmethode eingegangen wird.Nachgewiesen wird, da\ den Proben Kaliumiodid zugesetzt werden mu\, um störende Einflüsse anderer Metalle auf die Reaktion von As und Sb mit NaBH₄ zu verhindern. Im Vergleich zu der colorimetrischen Technik wurde bei der Hydridmethode, mit Atomisierung im hei\en Quarzrohr, eine störende Wirkung anderer hydridbildender Elemente festgestellt.Bei der colorimetrischen Methode lÄ\t sich dieser Störungseinflu\ durch langsame Zugabe von NaBH₄ vermindern (5 min). Die Optimalisierung von Parametern bei der Hydridmethode zur Asund Sb-Bestimmung wird beschrieben.

     

Determination of selenium by atomic absorption spectrometry with miniaturized suction-flow hydride generation and on-line removal of interferences

On-line removal of transition metal interferences in microscale suction-flow hydride generation atomic absorption spectrometry is described for the determination of selenium at μg l^?1 levels. A mini-column of a chelating resin with iminodiacetate groups is used. Selenium in solutions containing ? 2.5 mg of copper or nickel was determined at a rate of 30 samples per hour; the detection limit was 0.1 ng of selenium. The relative standard deviation for ten replicate measurements of 5 ng of selenium was 3.8%. The method was applied successfully to the determination of selenium in standard copper alloys and nickel sponge.