Comparative determination of Ba, Cu, Fe, Pb and Zn in tea leaves by slurry sampling electrothermal atomic absorption and liquid sampling inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

The comparative determination of barium, copper, iron, lead and zinc in tea leaf samples by two atomic spectrometric techniques is reported. At first, slurry sampling electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) was applied. The results of Ba and Pb determination were calculated using the method of standard additions, and results of Cu, Fe and Zn from the calibration graphs based on aqueous standards. These results were compared with the results obtained after microwave-assisted wet (nitric+hydrochloric+hydrofluoric acids) digestion in closed vessels followed by inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometric (ICP-AES) determination with the calibration by means of aqueous standards. The exception was lead determined after a wet digestion procedure by ETAAS. The accuracy of the studied methods was checked by the use of the certified reference material Tea GBW-07605. The recoveries of the analytes varied in the range from 91 to 99% for slurry sampling ETAAS, and from 92.5 to 102% for liquid sampling ICP-AES. The advantages of slurry sampling ETAAS method are simplicity of sample preparation and very good sensitivity. Slurry sampling ETAAS method is relatively fast but if several elements must be determined in one sample, the time of the whole microwave-assisted digestion procedure and ICP-AES determination will be shorter. However, worse detection limits of ICP-AES must also be taken into the consideration in a case of some analytes.     

Determination of lead in fine particulates by slurry sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A simple method for determining lead in fine particulates (PM2.5) by using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) has been developed. Particulates collected on Nuclepore filter by using a dichotomous sampler were suspended in diluted nitric acid after ultrasonic agitation. The dislodging efficiency is nearly 100% after agitation for 5 min. In order to study the suspension behavior of PM2.5 in solvents, a Brookhaven ZetaPlus Particle Size Analyzer was used to determine the particle size distribution and suspension behavior of air particulates in the solvent. The pre-digestion and modification effect of nitric acid would be discussed. Palladium was added as a chemical modifier and the temperature program of ETAAS was changed in order to improve the recovery. The slurry was introduced directly into a graphite tube for atomization. The metal content in the sample was determined by the standard addition method. In addition, a conventional acid digestion procedure was applied to verify the efficiency of the slurry sampling method. It offers a quick and efficient alternative method for heavy metal characterization in fine particulates.     

Determination of lead in fine particulates by slurry sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A simple method for determining lead in fine particulates (PM_2.5) by using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) has been developed. Particulates collected on Nuclepore filter by using a dichotomous sampler were suspended in diluted nitric acid after ultrasonic agitation. The dislodging efficiency is nearly 100% after agitation for 5 min. In order to study the suspension behavior of PM_2.5 in solvents, a Brookhaven ZetaPlus Particle Size Analyzer was used to determine the particle size distribution and suspension behavior of air particulates in the solvent. The pre-digestion and modification effect of nitric acid would be discussed. Palladium was added as a chemical modifier and the temperature program of ETAAS was changed in order to improve the recovery. The slurry was introduced directly into a graphite tube for atomization. The metal content in the sample was determined by the standard addition method. In addition, a conventional acid digestion procedure was applied to verify the efficiency of the slurry sampling method. It offers a quick and efficient alternative method for heavy metal characterization in fine particulates. Received: 2 August 2000 / Revised: 25 October 2000 / Accepted: 28 October 2000     

Chemometric investigation of systematic error in the analysis of biological materials by flame and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Systematic errors observed when using flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and electrothermal atomic spectrometry (ETAAS) for the analysis of biological solid materials (seafood products) were evaluated. The effect of the sample pre-treatment method (microwave-assisted acid digestion, ultrasound-assisted acid leaching and slurry sampling) as well as the number of times that a certain pre-treatment process is repeated, were two factors evaluated. They give information about the effect of the sample pre-treatment on the uncertainty in the analysis. In addition, the number of measurements (i.e., number of times that an acid digest, an acid leachate or aqueous slurry are analysed) and the calibration technique used (aqueous calibration method or standard addition technique) were other two variables taken into account. This last factor gives information about the effect of the calibration on the results, while the replicate measurements showed the repeatability. A fifth variable named as sample matrix tests the influence of the matrix sample on the systematic error through the use of different reference materials. This variable allows the study of the effect of the trace element concentrations on the uncertainty because the trace elements contents are different in each reference material. Experimental design and principal component analysis approaches were used as chemometric tools. It has been found that the use of the slurry sampling technique in ETAAS and FAAS and the determination of high element concentrations by ETAAS have led to poor precision.     

Determination of Bismuth in Sediment and Soil by Ultrasonic Slurry Sampling Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

The analytical conditions of the direct determination of bismuth in some certified reference material samples (soil and sediment) by slurry sampling Zeeman electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) with the use of automated ultrasonic slurry mixing are discussed. Palladium nitrate was used as a chemical modifier. With the use of this modifier it was possible to stabilize bismuth to the pyrolysis temperature of 1300 °C. Platform atomization was performed at 2050 °C. The results of determination are calculated from a simple, aqueous standards based calibration graph. Statistical evaluation of the results indicate that the slurry sampling method is reproducible and the accuracy of the proposed method is very good. This method is rather simple and its other advantages are good sensitivity and relatively short analysis time.     

Sample pre-treatment methods for the trace elements determination in seafood products by atomic absorption spectrometry

Different sample pre-treatments for seafood products have been compared with determine trace elements (As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se and Zn) by flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). Classic pre-treatments as microwave assisted-acid digestion and the slurry sampling technique were compared with new procedures such as microwave energy or ultrasound energy assisted-acid leaching process and enzymatic hydrolysis methodologies based on the use of pronase E. The methods were applied to DORM-1 and DOLT-1 reference materials with certified contents for the studied elements. The Student-Newman-Keuls (SNK) method was used to compare with element concentration means obtained with each sample pre-treatment and also the certified concentration means in both reference materials. Multivariate techniques such as principal components analysis (PCA) was also applied to comparative purposes.     

Slurry sampling techniques for the determination of lead in Bangladeshi fish samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with a metal tube atomizer

Ultrasonic slurry sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with a metal tube atomizer has been applied to the determination of lead in Bangladeshi fish samples. The slurry sampling conditions, such as slurry stabilizing agent, slurry concentration, pyrolysis temperature for the slurried fish samples, particle size and ultrasonic agitation time, were optimized for electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with the Mo tube atomizer. Thiourea was used as the chemical modifier for the interference of matrix elements. The detection limit was 53 fg (3S/N). The determined amount of lead in Bangladeshi fish samples was consistent with those measured in the dissolved acid-digested samples. The advantages of the proposed methods are easy calibration, simplicity, low cost and rapid analysis.     

Determination of mercury in sewage sludge by direct slurry sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Ultrasonic slurry sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) method was elaborated to the determination of Hg in sewage sludge samples with the use of KMnO₄+Pd modifier. The minimum sample amount required for slurry preparation with respect to sample homogeneity was evaluated by weighting masses between 3 and 30 mg directly into the autosampler cups. Validation of the proposed method was performed with the use of Certified Reference Materials of sewage sludge, CRM 007-040 and CRM 144R. Two sewage sludge samples from Poznañ (Poland) city were analysed using the present direct method and a method with sample digestion, resulting in no difference within statistical error.     

Lead determination in slurries of biological materials by ETAAS using a W-Rh permanent modifier

A tungsten-rhodium coating on the integrated platform of a transversely heated graphite atomiser (THGA) was used as a permanent chemical modifier for the determination of lead in biological materials by slurry sampling in electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). Slurries were sonicated during 20 s before being delivered to the previously W-Rh treated platform. The number of particles of biological materials introduced into the atomiser for delivering 20 microL slurry aliquot ranged from 5,100 to 39,000. The permanent W-Rh modifier remained stable during approximately 300 analytical measurements when 20 microL of slurries containing up to 1.5% m/v were delivered into the atomiser. In addition, the permanent modifier increases the tube lifetime by approximately 100% when compared to untreated integrated platforms. Also, there is less decrease of sensitivity during the atomiser lifetime when compared with the conventional modifiers, resulting in a decreased need of re-calibration during routine analysis and consequently increasing the sample throughput. The atomiser lifetime was limited to the THGA wall durability, because the W-Rh treated platform was intact after more than 650 analytical firings in a medium containing up to 1.5% m/v slurry of biological material. The detection limit based on integrated absorbance was 20 ng g(-1) Pb for 1.50% m/v slurries. Results from the determination of lead in slurries of biological materials using the W-Rh permanent modifier were in agreement with those obtained with digested solutions using Pd + Mg(NO3)2.     

Determination of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni and Pb in Milk, Cheese and Chocolate

 Combined analytical procedures consisting of wet digestion step followed by instrumental determination – differential pulse cathodic stripping voltammetry (DPCSV) or electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) – as well as a direct analysis method – slurry sampling ETAAS – for the determination of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, Ni and Pb in milk, cheese and chocolate are described and compared. Wet digestion using a mixture of HNO₃-HClO₄-H₂O₂ is proposed for complete matrix decomposition prior to trace analyte determinati on by DPCSV or ETAAS. A mixture of HNO₃-H₂O₂ is used for slurry preparation. Optimal instrumental parameters for trace analyte measurements are presented. The reliability of the procedures has been verified by analyzing standard reference materials. Results obtained are in good agreement with the certified values and the relative standard deviations (for these results) are in the range 5–10% for wet digestion DPCSV or ETAAS and 3–9% for slurry sampling ETAAS in the range of 2 μgċg⁻¹ (Cd) to 12 μgċg⁻¹ (Fe). Received August 24, 1999. Revision January 20, 2000.     

Determination of chromium,manganese and vanadium in sediments and soils by modifier—free slurry sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Slurried sediment and soil samples of the certified reference materials with a highly elevated level of the metals of interest (Mn, Cr and V) were analysed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) with Zeeman effect background correction. The method of slurry preparation and time-temperature programmes were optimized and, finally, the use of chemical modifiers was not necessary. The effect of alternate spectral lines and gas mini-flows on characteristic masses of analytes was studied. The homogeneity of samples and the influence of short sample grinding were also discussed. The simple, aqueous standard based calibration graphs (except Mn at the concentration > 1000 mg kg⁻¹) were applied for the quantification of results. The results of determinations obtained by slurry sampling agreed well with the cetified values, and the relative standard deviations (RSDs) for the over-all analytical procedure repeatability (at slurries concentration level about 2 mg/2 ml) were less than 9.5%, except manganese (10.4%).     

Determination of As,Cd, Cu,Hg and Pb in biological samples by modern electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Pollution from heavy metals has increased in recent decades and has become an important concern for environmental agencies. Arsenic, cadmium, copper, mercury and lead are among the trace elements that have the greatest impact and carry the highest risk to human health. Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) has long been used for trace element analyses and over the past few years, the main constraints of atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) methods, namely matrix interferences that provoked high background absorption and interferences, have been reduced. The use of new, more efficient modifiers and in situ trapping methods for stabilization and pre-concentration of these analytes, progress in control of atomization temperatures, new designs of atomizers and advances in methods to correct background spectral interferences have permitted an improvement in sensitivity, an increase in detection power, reduction in sample manipulation, and increase in the reproducibility of the results. These advances have enhanced the utility of Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) for trace element determination at μg L⁻¹ levels, especially in difficult matrices, giving rise to greater reproducibility, lower economic cost and ease of sample pre-treatment compared to other methods. Moreover, the recent introduction of high resolution continuum source Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS-ETAAS) has facilitated direct solid sampling, reducing background noise and opening the possibility of achieving even more rapid quantitation of some elements. The incorporation of flow injection analysis (FIA) systems for automation of sample pre-treatment, as well as chemical vapor generation renders (ETAAS) into a feasible option for detection of As and Hg in environmental and food control studies wherein large numbers of samples can be rapidly analyzed. A relatively inexpensive approach with low sample consumption provide additional advantages of this technique that reaches figures of merit equivalent to Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Herein is presented an overview of recent advances and applications of (ETAAS) for the determination of As, Cd, Cu, Hg and Pb in biological samples drawn from studies over the last decade.     

Lead determination in slurries of biological materials by ETAAS using a W-Rh permanent modifier

A tungsten-rhodium coating on the integrated platform of a transversely heated graphite atomiser (THGA) was used as a permanent chemical modifier for the determination of lead in biological materials by slurry sampling in electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). Slurries were sonicated during 20 s before being delivered to the previously W-Rh treated platform. The number of particles of biological materials introduced into the atomiser for delivering 20 μL slurry aliquot ranged from 5,100 to 39,000. The permanent W-Rh modifier remained stable during approximately 300 analytical measurements when 20 μL of slurries containing up to 1.5% m/v were delivered into the atomiser. In addition, the permanent modifier increases the tube lifetime by approximately 100% when compared to untreated integrated platforms. Also, there is less decrease of sensitivity during the atomiser lifetime when compared with the conventional modifiers, resulting in a decreased need of re-calibration during routine analysis and consequently increasing the sample throughput. The atomiser lifetime was limited to the THGA wall durability, because the W-Rh treated platform was intact after more than 650 analytical firings in a medium containing up to 1.5% m/v slurry of biological material. The detection limit based on integrated absorbance was 20 ng g^–1 Pb for 1.50% m/v slurries. Results from the determination of lead in slurries of biological materials using the W-Rh permanent modifier were in agreement with those obtained with digested solutions using Pd + Mg(NO₃)₂. Received: 11 August 2000 / Revised: 13 November 2000 / Accepted: 16 November 2000     

Determination of lead in biological samples by use of slurry sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Slurry-sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry has been applied to the determination of lead in several biological samples (fish and marine algae). The slurries were prepared both by magnetic shaking and microwave-heating and the effect of instrument operating conditions and slurry preparation conditions on the signal were examined. In addition, results from slurry sampling were compared with those obtained by microwave-assisted acid digestion of the same samples and no significant differences were found between them when the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was applied. The between-batch precision of the slurry techniques employed was similar to that for the microwave-assisted digestion procedure; values were always below 6.7%, except for the Dicentrarchus labrax sample for which the value obtained was 9.5% when using slurry magnetic shaking and 7.6% when using the slurry microwave heating. The accuracy of the slurry methodology employed was also evaluated by analysis of two biological reference materials (NIST-1577b and IAEA-V10); percentage recoveries obtained were between 95.6 and 98.5% of the values certified for lead.     

Determination of lead in fish samples by slurry sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Ultrasonic slurry sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (USS-ETAAS) was been applied to the determination of lead in several fish samples. The influences of instrument operating conditions and slurry preparation on the signal were examined. Palladium and ammonium nitrate were used as the modifier to improve the signal. Since the sensitivity to lead in various fish slurries and aqueous solutions was different, the standard additions method was used for the determination of lead in these fish samples. The method was applied to the determination of lead in dogfish muscle reference material (DORM-2) and a swordfish muscle sample purchased from the local market. The analysis results agreed with the reference value. The accuracy was better than 6%. The precision between sample replicates was better than 16% with the USS-ETAAS method. The detection limit of lead estimated from standard additions curve was about 0.053-0.058 microgram g-1 in different samples.     

Direct determination of lead at sub-ppb levels in secondary coolants of pressurized water reactor by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with multiple injections

The method of incorporating in-situ pre-concentration technique via multiple injections followed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) is described for the direct determination of lead at sub-ppb levels in secondary coolants of pressurized water reactor (PWR). Prior to ETAAS measurement, water samples were concentrated by means of multiple injections (9×90 ml) and evaporation in a pyrocoated graphite tube. Optimization of the in-situ pre-concentration via multiple injections with ETAAS analysis was investigated. The feasibility of the proposed method was tested for direct determination of lead in secondary coolants of pressurized water reactor. A SRM 1643c certified reference water sample has been used for quality control. The result are in good agreement with the certified value. By the use of 0.81 ml sample volume 0.012 ppb detection limit was obtained.     

Determination of tin and titanium in soils, sediments and sludges using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with slurry sample introduction

Fast-heating programmes for determining titanium and tin in soils, sediments and sludges using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) with slurry sampling are developed. For titanium determination, suspensions are prepared by weighing 5-40 mg of sample and adding 25 ml of a solution containing 50% (v/v) concentrated hydrofluoric acid. For tin determination, suspensions are prepared by weighing up to 300 mg of sample and then adding 1 ml of a solution containing 25% (v/v) concentrated hydrofluoric acid. Palladium (30 μg) and ammonium dihydrogen phosphate (7% w/v) are used as matrix modifiers for titanium and tin, respectively. Prior mild heating in a microwave oven is recommended for titanium determination. Calibration is carried out using aqueous standards. The tin and titanium contents of a number of samples obtained by using the slurry approach agree with those obtained by means of a procedure based on the total dissolution of the samples using microwave oven digestion. The reliability of the procedures is also confirmed by analysing several certified reference materials.     

Determination of Antimony in Sediments by Zeeman-Corrected Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry with Ultrasonic Slurry Sampling

A method was developed for the determination of antimony in slurried sediments (on the basis of samples of three Certified Reference Materials) by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) with Zeeman-effect background correction. Slurried samples were prepared in 6% nitric acid containing 0.02% of Triton X-100. A mixed palladium/magnesium chemical matrix modifier, L'vov platform atomization and a temperature-time program with a relatively short (10 s) sample pyrolysis stage were used. The results of the determinations by this technique are in very close agreement with certified values and the repeatability of this analytical procedure expressed in terms of relative standard deviation was typically better than 9% at the slurry concentration of approx. 90 mg/2 mL. The characteristic mass of Sb (at the spectral line 231.1 nm) was 25.6 pg and the limit of detection (calculated for 100 mg/2 mL slurry) was about 0. 04 μg/g.     

Preconcentration and separation of cadmium by use of cobalt(III) hexamethylenedithiocarbamate as a collector prior to its determination by atomic absorption spectrometry

Co(III) hexamethylenedithiocarbamate has been applied as a collector in colloid flotation preconcentration of Cd from water prior to electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). All experimental parameters necessary for successful flotation have been studied and optimized. The ETAAS results were compared with those obtained by inductive coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). The ETAAS detection limit was found to be 0.003 microg L(-1) Cd.     

Literature study of microwave-assisted digestion using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

The literature on the use of microwave-assisted digestion procedures for subsequent sample analysis by means of electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) is reviewed. The literature survey reveals that this digestion technique has been applied mainly for biological materials. The elements most extensively determined by this method are cadmium and lead followed by copper, chromium, nickel and iron. The microwave digestion conditions, ETAAS furnace programmes and analytical details of the developed methodologies have been carefully revised.