Direct on-line Raman measurement of flying solid samples: determination of polyethylene pellet density

We demonstrated an on-line Raman measurement of polyethylene (PE) pellet density when it is flying in a sample line. While in flight, pellets are sparsely populated at spectral collection, a spectral collection strategy covering a large spatial volume (larger number of pellets simultaneously) is necessary to acquire reasonable Raman intensity. In addition, the Raman measurement must be less sensitive to pellet position, because position and distribution are uncontrollable in a flying condition. To fulfill these requirements, a wide area illumination (WAI) scheme capable of covering a large sample volume (illumination volume: 0.7 cm³) was used when the pellets were flying in a 2.5-cm-diameter sample line. In addition, a long focal length (250 mm) was used so that minor changes in pellet position would not significantly affect the resulting Raman spectral feature. Although Raman intensity substantially decreased due to the large void space among flying pellets, a correct spectral feature representing PE was successfully obtained without any significant spectral distortion. Using partial least squares (PLS) regression, the prediction error under flying conditions was 0.0009 g cm⁻³, which was comparable to that acquired when the pellets were packed (0.0008 g cm⁻³). When a conventional Raman scheme covering a smaller sample volume with a short focal length was used, the PE intensity decreased dramatically, and the resulting signal-to-noise ratio was not proper for quantitative analysis.     

New reliable Raman collection system using the wide area illumination (WAI) scheme combined with the synchronous intensity correction standard for the analysis of pharmaceutical tablets

A novel and reliable Raman collection system for the non-destructive analysis of pharmaceutical tablets has been proposed. The main idea was to develop and utilize the wide area illumination (WAI) scheme for Raman collection to cover a large surface area (coverage area: 28.3 mm²) of solid tablet to dramatically improve the reliability in sample representation and the reproducibility of sampling due to less sensitivity of sample placement with regard to the focal plane. Simultaneously, the effective and synchronous standard configuration using isobutyric anhydride was harmonized with the WAI scheme to correct the problematic variation of Raman intensity from the change of laser power. To verify the quantitative performance of the proposed scheme, the compositional analysis of active ingredient in naproxen tablet has been performed. The average sample composition was successfully represented by using the WAI scheme compared to the conventional scheme with a much smaller illumination area. After the intensity correction using the non-overlapping peak of isobutyric anhydride standard and area normalization, a partial least squares (PLS) model was developed using an optimized spectral range and the concentrations of naproxen in tablets were accurately predicted. The prediction accuracy was not sensitive to changes in laser power or tablet position within ±2 mm. Additionally, the prediction accuracy was repeatable without systematic drift or need for re-calibration.     

A new non-invasive, quantitative Raman technique for the determination of an active ingredient in pharmaceutical liquids by direct measurement through a plastic bottle

The concentration of an active pharmaceutical ingredient (povidone) in a commercial eyewash solution has been measured directly through a plastic (low-density polyethylene: LDPE) container using a wide area illumination (WAI) Raman scheme. The WAI scheme allows excitation using a 6 mm laser spot (focal length: 248 mm) that is designed to cover a wide sample area. As a result, it has the potential to improve the reliability Raman measurements by significantly enhancing representative sample interrogation, thus improving the reproducibility of sampling. It also decreases the sensitivity of sample placement with regard to the excitation focal plane. Simultaneously, isobutyric anhydride was placed in front of the bottles to use for a synchronous external standard configuration. This helps to correct the problematic variation of Raman intensity from the inherent fluctuation in laser power. Using the WAI Raman scheme combined with the synchronous standard method, the povidone concentration was successfully measured with spectral collection that was performed through a plastic barrier. The conventional Raman scheme was difficult to employ for the same purpose because of the degraded spectral reproducibility resulting from the smaller laser illumination area and the sensitivity of such an approach to the position of the sample bottle. The result from this study suggests that the WAI scheme exhibits a strong potential for the non-destructive quantitative analysis of pharmaceuticals measured directly in plastic containers. Preliminary work also shows that similar measurements can also be made in glass bottles. If implemented, this technique could be utilized as a simple and rugged method for quality assurance of final products in a manner consistent with Process analytical technology (PAT) requirements.     

Determination of glucose and ethanol after enzymatic hydrolysis and fermentation of biomass using Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy has been used for the quantitative determination of the conversion efficiency at each step in the production of ethanol from biomass. The method requires little sample preparation; therefore, it is suitable for screening large numbers of biomass samples and reaction conditions in a complex sample matrix. Dilute acid or ammonia-pretreated corn stover was used as a model biomass for these studies. Ammonia pretreatment was suitable for subsequent measurements with Raman spectroscopy, but dilute acid-pretreated corn stover generated a large background signal that surpassed the Raman signal. The background signal is attributed to lignin, which remains in the plant tissue after dilute acid pretreatment. A commercial enzyme mixture was used for the enzymatic hydrolysis of corn stover, and glucose levels were measured with a dispersive 785 nm Raman spectrometer. The glucose detection limit in hydrolysis liquor by Raman spectroscopy was 8 g L⁻¹. The mean hydrolysis efficiency for three replicate measurements obtained with Raman spectroscopy (86 ± 4%) was compared to the result obtained using an enzymatic reaction with UV-vis spectrophotometry detection (78 ± 8%). The results indicate good accuracy, as determined using a Student's t-test, and better precision for the Raman spectroscopy measurement relative to the enzymatic detection assay. The detection of glucose in hydrolysis broth by Raman spectroscopy showed no spectral interference, provided the sample was filtered to remove insoluble cellulose prior to analysis. The hydrolysate was further subjected to fermentation to yield ethanol. The detection limit for ethanol in fermentation broth by Raman spectroscopy was found to be 6 g L⁻¹. Comparison of the fermentation efficiencies measured by Raman spectroscopy (80 ± 10%) and gas chromatrography-mass spectrometry (87 ± 9%) were statistically the same. The work demonstrates the utility of Raman spectroscopy for screening the entire conversion process to generate lignocellulosic ethanol.     

Vibrational spectroscopy of the sorosilicate mineral hemimorphite Zn4(OH)2Si2O7 · H2O

Raman spectroscopy complimented by infrared spectroscopy has been used to study the mineral hemimorphite from different origins. The Raman spectra show consistently similar spectra with only one sample showing additional bands due to the presence of smithsonite. Raman bands observed at 3510–3565 and 3436–3455 cm⁻¹ are assigned to OH stretching vibrations. Using a Libowitzky type formula, these OH bands provide hydrogen bond distances of 0.2910, 0.2825, 0.2762 and 0.2716 pm. Water bending modes are observed in the Raman spectrum at 1633 cm⁻¹. An intense Raman band at 930 cm⁻¹ is attributed to SiO symmetric stretching vibration of the Si₂O₇ units. Raman bands observed at 451 and 400 cm⁻¹are attributed to out-of-plane bending vibrations of the Si₂O₇ units. Raman bands at 330, 280, 168 and 132 cm⁻¹ are assigned to ZnO and OZnO vibrations.     

Quality control of Metamitron in agrochemicals using Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy in the middle and near range

Two vibrational spectrometry-based methodologies were developed for Metamitron determination in pesticide formulations. Fourier transform-middle infrared (FT-MIR) procedure was based on the extraction of Metamitron by CHCl₃ and latter determination by peak area measurement between 1556 and 1533 cm⁻¹, corrected with a two points baseline established from 1572 to 1514 cm⁻¹. Fourier transform-near infrared (FT-NIR) determination was made after the extraction of Metamitron in acetonitrile and measuring the peak area between 6434 and 6394 cm⁻¹ corrected using a two points baseline defined between 6555 and 6228 cm⁻¹. Repeatability, as relative standard deviation, of 5 independent measurements at mg g⁻¹ concentration level, of 0.16% and 0.07% for MIR and NIR and a limit of detection of 0.03 and 0.004 mg g⁻¹ were obtained for MIR and NIR, respectively.NIR determination provides a sample frequency of 120 h⁻¹, higher than that found by MIR and liquid chromatographic methods (60 and 15 h⁻¹, respectively). On the other hand, the NIR method reduces the solvent consumption and waste generation, to only 1 ml acetonitrile per sample as compared with 3.4 ml chloroform required for the MIR determination and 60 ml acetonitrile used in the chromatographic reference procedure. So, vibrational procedures can be considered serious alternatives to long and time consuming chromatographic methods usually recommended for quality control of commercially available pesticide formulations.     

Direct, non-destructive quantitative measurement of an active pharmaceutical ingredient in an intact capsule formulation using Raman spectroscopy

The active pharmaceutical ingredient (ambroxol) in an intact capsule formulation has been non-destructively quantified using Raman spectroscopy. To improve the problem of insufficient representive sampling inherent in Raman measurements, we have employed a wide area illumination (WAI) scheme that enables much improved sample coverage through a circular excitation laser spot with a 6 mm diameter. One of the anticipated sources of variation for this measurement was variation in the capsule shells. However, the WAI scheme significantly decreased the spectral variation among empty capsules compared to a measurement with a traditional small-spot excitation. Therefore, measurement variations emanating from the capsule shell did not significantly influence the accuracy of the determination of ambroxol concentrations. The resulting standard error of prediction (SEP) using the WAI scheme was comparable to that from previous Raman measurements which used a conventional small-spot excitation and employed a sampling scheme that involved rotation of an ambroxol pellet. It is further noteworthy that the SEP was also similar to that obtained from the use of transmission NIR spectroscopy, which was achieved by collection of spectra of the powdered capsule contents removed from the shell. The proposed Raman measurement using the WAI scheme in this case was sufficient to achieve the quantitative measurement of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) content of capsules non-destructively.     

Chemometric determination of arsenic and lead in untreated powdered red paprika by diffuse reflectance near-infrared spectroscopy

It has been evaluated the potential of near-infrared (NIR) diffuse reflectance infrared Fourier transform spectroscopy (DRIFTS) as a way for non-destructive measurement of trace elements at μg kg⁻¹ level in foods, with neither physical nor chemical pre-treatment. Predictive models were developed using partial least-square (PLS) multivariate approaches based on first-order derivative spectra. A critical comparison of two spectral pre-treatments, multiplicative signal correction (MSC) and standard normal variate (SNV) was also made. The PLS models built after using SNV provided the best prediction results for the determination of arsenic and lead in powdered red paprika samples. Relative root-mean-square error of prediction (RRMSEP) of 23% for both metals, arsenic and lead, were found in this study using 20 well characterized samples for calibration and 13 additional samples as validation set. Results derived from this study showed that NIR diffuse reflectance spectroscopy combined with the appropriate chemometric tools could be considered as an useful screening tool for a rapid determination of As and Pb at concentration level of the order of hundred μg kg⁻¹.     

Using near-infrared overtone regions to determine biodiesel content and adulteration of diesel/biodiesel blends with vegetable oils

This work evaluates the use of near-infrared (NIR) overtone regions to determine biodiesel content, as well potential adulteration with vegetable oil, in diesel/biodiesel blends. For this purpose, NIR spectra (12,000–6300 cm⁻¹) were obtained using three different optical path lengths: 10 mm, 20 mm and 50 mm. Two strategies of regression with variable selection were evaluated: partial least squares (PLS) with significant regression coefficients selected by Jack-Knife algorithm (PLS/JK) and multiple linear regression (MLR) with wavenumber selection by successive projections algorithm (MLR/SPA). For comparison, the results obtained by using PLS full-spectrum models are also presented. In addition, the performance of models using NIR (1.0 mm optical path length, 9000–4000 cm⁻¹) and MIR (UATR – universal attenuated total reflectance, 4000–650 cm⁻¹) spectral regions was also investigated. The results demonstrated the potential of overtone regions with MLR/SPA regression strategy to determine biodiesel content in diesel/biodiesel blends, considering the possible presence of raw oil as a contaminant. This strategy is simple, fast and uses a fewer number of spectral variables. Considering this, the overtone regions can be useful to develop low cost instruments for quality control of diesel/biodiesel blends, considering the lower cost of optical components for this spectral region.     

Reliable and fast quantitative analysis of active ingredient in pharmaceutical suspension using Raman spectroscopy

The concentration of acetaminophen in a turbid pharmaceutical suspension has been measured successfully using Raman spectroscopy. The spectrometer was equipped with a large spot probe which enabled the coverage of a representative area during sampling. This wide area illumination (WAI) scheme (coverage area 28.3 mm²) for Raman data collection proved to be more reliable for the compositional determination of these pharmaceutical suspensions, especially when the samples were turbid. The reproducibility of measurement using the WAI scheme was compared to that of using a conventional small-spot scheme which employed a much smaller illumination area (about 100 μm spot size). A layer of isobutyric anhydride was placed in front of the sample vials to correct the variation in the Raman intensity due to the fluctuation of laser power. Corrections were accomplished using the isolated carbonyl band of isobutyric anhydride. The acetaminophen concentrations of prediction samples were accurately estimated using a partial least squares (PLS) calibration model. The prediction accuracy was maintained even with changes in laser power. It was noted that the prediction performance was somewhat degraded for turbid suspensions with high acetaminophen contents. When comparing the results of reproducibility obtained with the WAI scheme and those obtained using the conventional scheme, it was concluded that the quantitative determination of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) in turbid suspensions is much improved when employing a larger laser coverage area. This is presumably due to the improvement in representative sampling.     

Determination of dissolved sulphides in waste water samples by flow-through stripping chronopotentiometry with a macroporous mercury-film electrode

Sulphides in water samples were determined by stripping chronopotentiometry in a computer controlled flow system with a flow-through electrochemical cell. The working electrode was a porous glassy carbon electrode coated with Nafion and mercury. The sample was diluted with 0.1 mol L⁻¹ NaOH and analysed. Sulphides in the sample were collected in the porous electrode as mercury sulphide and then stripped by a current of −500 μA. The limit of detection was found to be 1.6 μg L⁻¹ and 0.5 μg L⁻¹ for 1 mL and 5 mL of preconcentrated sample, respectively. The linear range for 1 mL sample was found to be 5-400 μg L⁻¹. The repeatability and reproducibility was found to be 2.6% and 4.8%, respectively. The method was applied to analyses of waste water samples from a tannery.     

Validation of a direct non-destructive quantitative analysis of amiodarone hydrochloride in Angoron formulations using FT-Raman spectroscopy

Raman spectroscopy was applied for the direct non-destructive analysis of amiodarone hydrochloride (ADH), the active ingredient of the liquid formulation Angoron^®. The FT-Raman spectra were obtained through the un-broken as-received ampoules of Angoron^®. Using the most intense vibration of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API) at 1568 cm⁻¹, a calibration model, based on solutions with known concentrations, was developed. The model was applied to the Raman spectra recorded from three as-purchased commercial formulations of Angoron^® having nominal strength of 50 mg ml⁻¹ ADH. The average value of the API in these samples was found to be 48.56 ± 0.64 mg ml⁻¹ while the detection limit of the proposed technique was found to be 2.11 mg ml⁻¹. The results were compared to those obtained from the application of HPLC using the methodology described in the European Pharmacopoeia and found to be in excellent agreement. The proposed analytical methodology was also validated by evaluating the linearity of the calibration line as well as its accuracy and precision. The main advantage of Raman spectroscopy over HPLC method during routine analysis is that it is considerably faster and no solvent consuming. Furthermore, Raman spectroscopy is non-destructive for the sample. However, the detection limit for Raman spectroscopy is much higher than the corresponding for the HPLC methodology.     

Modified mesoporous silica materials for on-line separation and preconcentration of hexavalent chromium using a microcolumn coupled with flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A modified SBA-15 mesoporous silica material NH₂-SBA-15 was synthesized successfully by grafting γ-aminopropyl-triethoxysilane. The material was characterized using transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and Fourier transform infrared/Raman (FT-IR/Raman) spectroscopy, and used for the first time in a flow injection on-line solid phase extraction (SPE) coupled with flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FAAS) to detect trace Cr (VI). Effective sorption of Cr (VI) was achieved at pH 2.0 with no interference from Cr (III) and other ions and 0.5 mol L⁻¹ NH₃·H₂O solution was found optimal for the complete elution of Cr (VI). An enrichment factor of 44 and was achieved under optimized experimental conditions at a sample loading of 2.0 mL min⁻¹ sample loading (300 s) and an elution flow rate of 2.0 mL min⁻¹ (24 s). The precision of the 11 replicate Cr (VI) measurements was 2.1% at the 100 μg L⁻¹ level with a detection limit of 0.2 μg L⁻¹ (3 s, n = 10) using the FAAS. The developed method was successfully applied to trace chromium determination in waste water. The accuracy was validated using a certified reference material of riverine water (GBW08607).     

Antimony-film electrode for the determination of trace metals by sequential-injection analysis/anodic stripping voltammetry

The possibility of applying antimony-film modified glassy carbon electrode in sequential-injection analysis (SIA) was investigated with the objective of determining Pb(II) and Cd(II) by anodic stripping voltammetry (ASV). The conditions of antimony-film deposition concerning composition of the plating/carrier solutions, concentrations of Sb(III) and hydrochloric acid, effects of different supporting electrolyte salts, and plating potential were optimized. It was found that the antimony-film deposition on glassy carbon substrate in a sample solution consisting of 750 μg L⁻¹ Sb(III), 0.5 mol L⁻¹ HCl at −1.5 V (vs. Ag/AgCl/3 mol L⁻¹ KCl) yielded a modified electrode suitable for the determination of Pb(II) and Cd(II) at the μg L⁻¹ level. The reproducibility of the analytical signals was characterized by a relative standard deviation lower than 2.8%, and the calculated values of detection limits were 1.2 μg L⁻¹ for Pb(II) and 1.4 μg L⁻¹ for Cd(II). The presence of KSCN in the sample solution offers the possibility of detecting ions with more negative oxidation potentials like Zn(II), Mn(II) or Cr(III). The developed SIA-ASV procedure was compared with the commonly used batch method, and its applicability was tested on a spiked tap water sample.     

Chelating resin from functionalization of chitosan with complexing agent 8-hydroxyquinoline: application for metal ions on line preconcentration system

This study describes the functionalization of biopolymer chitosan, using the complexing agent 8-hydroxyquinoline (oxine) by reaction of diazotization. The chelating resin was characterized by degree of deacetylation, infrared, Raman spectroscopy. The efficiency of the chelating resin and accuracy of the proposed method was evaluated by the metal ion recovery technique in the analysis of potable water, lake water, seawater and a certified sample of oyster tissue. The metal ions Cd(II) and Cu(II) in the samples were previously enriched in a minicolumn and flow injection flame atomic absorption spectrometry (FI-FAAS) determined the concentrations of the analytes. The chelating resin exhibited high selectivity for Cd(II) at pH 7 and for Cu(II) at pH 10. The eluent concentration was tested by the use of HNO₃ in concentrations of 0.1-3 mol l⁻¹ maximum response was obtained at 0.5 mol l⁻¹ for Cd(II) and Cu(II), with R.S.D. values of 0.4%. The analytes gave relative standard deviations (R.S.D.) of 1.5 and 0.7% for solutions of Cd(II) and Cu(II), respectively (n = 7) containing 20 μg l⁻¹ of the metal ions, defining a high reproducibility. The limits of detection (LOD) were 0.1 μg l⁻¹ for Cd(II) and 0.4 μg l⁻¹ for Cu(II). The analytical properties of merit were obtained using the parameters previously optimized with preconcentration time of 90 s. The chelating resin showed chemical stability within a wide range of pH and the efficiency was not altered for the preconcentration of the metal ions during all the experiments.     

Optimization of the separation of malachite green in water by capillary electrophoresis Raman spectroscopy (CE-RS) based on the stacking and sweeping modes

A capillary electrophoresis Raman spectroscopy (CE-RS) method based on the stacking and sweeping modes are described. A non-fluorescent compound (malachite green, MG; crystal violet, CV) and a doubled Nd:YAG laser (532 nm, 300 mW) were selected as the model compound and light source, respectively. In order to carry out a quantitative and analysis of MG, a monochromator was used to collect the specific Raman line at 1616 cm⁻¹ (the N-φ and C-C stretching, corresponding to 582 nm when the wavelength of the exciting source is 532 nm). The limit of detection (LOD) for MG was 1.6 × 10⁻⁵ and 1.1 × 10⁻⁵ M, respectively, based on the CZE and MEKC modes. This could be improved to 3.4 × 10⁻⁷ and 5.3 × 10⁻⁹ M, respectively, when the stacking and sweeping modes were applied. The method was also extended to the determination of MG in an actual sample.     

The structure of mimetite,arsenian pyromorphite and hedyphane – A Raman spectroscopic study

The minerals mimetite Pb₅(AsO₄)₃Cl, arsenian pyromorphite Pb₅(PO₄,AsO₄)₃Cl and hedyphane Pb₃Ca₂(AsO₄)₃Cl have been studied by Raman spectroscopy complimented with infrared spectroscopy. Mimetite is characterised by a band at 812–3 cm⁻¹ attributed to the A_g mode. For the arsenian pyromorphite this band is observed at 818 cm⁻¹ and for hedyphane at 819 cm⁻¹. For mimetite and hedyphane bands at 788 and 765 cm⁻¹ are attributed to A_u and E_1u vibrational modes and are both Raman and infrared active. For the arsenian pyromorphite, Raman bands at 917–1014 cm⁻¹ are attributed to phosphate stretching vibrations. Raman spectroscopy clearly identifies bands attributable to isomorphous substitution of arsenate by phosphate. The observation of low intensity bands in the 3200–3550 cm⁻¹ region are assigned to adsorbed water and OH units, thus indicating some replacement of chloride ions with hydroxyl ions.     

Development, validation and application of a SDME/GC-FID methodology for the multiresidue determination of organophosphate and pyrethroid pesticides in water

A single-drop microextraction (SDME) procedure was developed for the analysis of organophosphorus and pyrethroid pesticides in water by gas chromatography (GC) with flame ionization detection (GC-FID). The significant parameters that affect SDME performance, such as the selection of microextraction solvent, solvent volume, extraction time, and stirring rate, were studied and optimized using a tool screening factorial design. The limits of detection (LODs) in water for the four investigated compounds were between 0.3 and 3.0 μg L⁻¹, with relative standard deviations ranging from 7.7 to 18.8%. Linear response data were obtained in the concentration range of 0.9-6.0 μg L⁻¹ (λ-cyhalothrin), 3.0-60.0 μg L⁻¹ (methyl parathion), 9.0-60.0 μg L⁻¹ (ethion), and 9.0-30.0 μg L⁻¹ (permethrin), with correlation coefficients ranging from 0.9337 to 0.9977. The relative recoveries for the spiked water ranged from 73.0 to 104%. Environmental water samples (n = 26) were successfully analyzed using the proposed method and methyl parathion presented concentration up to 2.74 μg L⁻¹. The SDME method, coupled with GC-FID analysis, provided good precision, accuracy, and reproducibility over a wide linear range. Other highlights of the method include its ease of use and its requirement of only small volumes of both organic solvent and sample.     

Bare gold nanoparticles mediated surface-enhanced Raman spectroscopic determination and quantification of carboxylated single-walled carbon nanotubes

The paper proposes a simple and portable approach for the surface enhanced Raman scattering (SERS) spectroscopy in situ determination of carboxylated single walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) in river water samples. The method is based on the subsequent microfiltration of a bare gold nanoparticles solution and the water sample containing soluble carbon nanotubes by using a home-made filtration device with a small filtration diameter. An acetate cellulose membrane with a pore size of 0.2 μm first traps gold nanoparticles to form the SERS-active substrate and then concentrates the carbon nanotubes. The measured SERS intensity data were closely fit with a Langmuir isotherm. A portable Raman spectrometer was employed to measure SERS spectra, which enables in situ determination of SWNTs in river waters. The limit of detection was 10 μg L⁻¹. The precision, for a 10 mg L⁻¹ concentration of carbon nanotubes, is 1.19% intra-membrane and 10.5% inter-membrane.     

On-line elimination of spectral interference of iron matrix in the flame atomic absorption determination of zinc by anion-exchange separation

A flow injection analysis (FIA) system has been developed for the flame atomic absorption spectroscopic (FAAS) determination of zinc in iron matrix. The spectral line interference of iron at 213.859 nm was eliminated by on-line separation using a micro-column of strong anion-exchange resin (Dowex 1-X8). The zinc chloro complexes were retained from 2 M HCl solution while most of the iron chloro complexes were passed to waste. For a 2% iron solution, matrix removal efficiency was 98.2% which means that positive spectral line interference of iron at the Zn line was reduced from 0.42 to 0.008 μg ml⁻¹ Zn. The optimized flow injection system can handle up to 48 samples with good precision (less than 3.5% relative standard deviation (R.S.D.)) in the working range of 0.075-2.2 μg ml⁻¹ Zn. Comparative analysis of a certified reference material and synthetic sample solutions containing traces of Zn in 2% Fe by the proposed method and by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) showed no evidence of analytical bias at the 95% confidence level.