Kinetics of selenium atomization in electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry (ETA-AAS). Part 3: Chemical interference of sulphate using palladium modifiers

The interference caused by sulphate (as the sodium salt) in the electrothermal atomization atomic absorption analysis of selenium was investigated for prereduced and unreduced palladium nitrate modifiers. Kinetic parameters of the selenium atomization were calculated for both types of modifier with varying amounts of sulphate added. Prereduced palladium was a better modifier since it tolerated higher amounts of interferent. For high levels of interferent, the kinetic parameters approached that of selenium without modifier. It was postulated that the interference was caused by the formation of palladium sulphate which reduces the number of active palladium sites available for selenium stabilization. The poorer performance of the unreduced modifier was explained in that the formation of stabile palladium sulphate hindered the reduction of Pd(II) to palladium metal which was needed for the selenium stabilization. Sulphate only interfered on the high temperature stabilization process; the low temperature stabilization, linked to the formation of a [Pd,Se,O] compound, was unaffected. The results support earlier literature reports that selenium loss occurs by covolatilization with the matrix and gives a reason why palladium modifiers are rendered useless by the sulphate interferent.     

Peak profile characteristics and atomization mechanisms for selenium in the presence of mercury for graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Summary Time resolved absorbance profiles, as well as the effects of inorganic acids and mercury salts, have been studied for selenium graphite furnace atomic absorbance signals. Conventional furnace operating procedures and wall atomization were used. Absorbance profiles were found to be sensitive to the mass of the counter ion and mercury present. Negative shifts in the appearance temperature were noted for low levels of mercury salts, whilst the higher levels of mercury caused only slight increasing shifts in the appearance temperature. Peak-area absorbance increases with mercury mass, but a steady-state absorbance was reached above a certain mercury chloride concentration. If mercury is present, a thermal dissociation of a mercury selenium compound is the suggested Se atomization mechanism.     

Study of the electrothermal atomization of selenium (IV) in transversely-heated graphite atomizers in the presence of nickel compounds as chemical modifiers

The electrothermal atomization of selenium, in transversely-heated graphite atomizers, was studied with regard to the effect of the addition of nickel nitrate and nickel chloride as chemical modifiers. Particular importance was given to the behavior of the analyte in aqueous standards and in sodium chloride containing solutions, after thermal reduction of the modifiers prior to the injection of the analyte solution into the atomizer. Thermal reduction of either nickel compound brings about an enhancement in the sensitivity of selenium measurements, as compared to those obtained by the injection of both the analyte and the modifier together into the atomizer. Additionally, thermal reduction of the modifiers permits the presence of chloride, as sodium chloride, to be tolerated in amounts as high as 500 μg Cl⁻ with sensitivity losses lower than 10%.     

The interference effect of more than one anion and cation in graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Part 2: Effect of sodium,magnesium, sulphate and chloride mixtures on the atomization of manganese

Although there are numerous cations and anions in real samples generally, the interference effects of a matrix consisting of one cation and one anion on the atomization of an element in graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS) have been investigated. Therefore, it would be more realistic to investigate the interference of a matrix containing more than one cation and anion. In this study, the simultaneous interference effects of sodium, magnesium, sulphate and chlorine, which are the most common and abundant ions in many samples, e.g. sea water, on the atomization of manganese in GFAAS were studied. As a first step, the individual interferences of some possible salts consisting of simple combinations of the ions studied such as sodium chloride, magnesium chloride, sodium sulphate and magnesium sulphate, were investigated. It was found that in the presence of these four ions and in their wide concentration range, sodium chloride and magnesium sulphate are the major salts formed after the drying step which were supported by X-ray diffraction (XRD) studies. Sodium chloride causes a significant depressive effect at low pyrolysis temperatures. The interference of sodium chloride originates from expulsion of the analyte with matrix and gas phase reaction between manganese and chloride ions during atomization. Magnesium sulphate does not cause any depression and in fact higher pyrolysis temperatures compared to matrix-free manganese can be applied without loss of any analyte. The depressive effect of sodium chloride on manganese markedly decreased in the presence of magnesium sulphate due to its protecting effect. The mutual interaction mechanism of these two salts and their effects on manganese have been discussed.     

Electrothermal atomic-absorption determination of barium in brines and caustic soda solutions

A method is described for the determination of barium at trace levels (0.2-2.5 ng) in the presence of a large amount of sodium chloride or sodium hydroxide (up to 750,000-fold) by electrothermal atomic-absorption spectrophotometry. The method involves making the sample solutions 1M with respect to nitric acid and directly injecting 5-mul aliquots into a pyrolytic-graphite furnace. Sodium chloride can be completely removed during the ashing stage of the heating cycle, without chemical pretreatment. On the basis of experimental results obtained, an explanation for the negative deviation of the calibration graphs noticed in ETA-AA is given, with nickel and barium atomization data as examples. Factors affecting the atomization peak shape and sensitivity for barium are also discussed.     

Electrothermal atomic absorption spectroscopy - preseht understanding and future needs

A comparison is made between Massmann-type furnaces (with and without the L'vov platform) and constant temperature atomizers. It is shown that there is no major difference between these types of furnaces with regard to peak height sensitivities. On the other hand, the Massmann-type furnaces shoved to a greater extent susceptibilities towards matrix interference effects. The effect of the sample residence time on gas phase interference effects has been investigated at various constant temperatures for lead in large excesses of iron chloride and sodium sulphate, respectively. These experimental results are discussed and they are correlated to data obtained by high temperature equilibrium calculations. As a conclusion we found that there is a need for a better control of the gas phase inside graphite tubes. Advantages of separating the volatilization and atomization processes are discussed. The potentialities of constant temperature atomizers for atomic emission spectroscopy are lined out.Since its inception, conventional GFAAS has been developed considerably with regard to methodology and instrumentation. The technique has been essentially improved by the introduction of e.g., automatic sample devices, the L'vov platform technique, matrix modifications, pyrolytically coated graphite, automatic background correctors, adequate signal evaluation and rapid controlled heating of the atomizers. In spite of this progress there still remain problems in connection with the vaporization/atomization of samples. In conventional Massmann-type furnaces, the temperature at which an element is vaporized depends on its volatility and usually effective atomization temperatures are often too low for complete atomization. An additional disadvantage comprises difficulties in relating absorbance signals, which may originate from different atomization intervals, to true amounts of an element. Many of these problems inherent in Massmann-type furnaces can be eliminated by vaporizing samples into atomizers which are kept at a constant temperature. This concept was employed in the first graphite furnace ever built for analytical AAS [l], but due to the technical complexity of the isothermal approach, it has only been realized on a minor scale and therefore little is known about its limitations.By vaporizing samples from a platform [2,3] inserted into Massmann-type furnaces, the problems arising from non-isothermal atomization can often be minimized in a relatively simple way. In particular for volatile elements it is possible to approach conditions of constant temperature atomizers by the combined use of the platform technique with an element stabilizing modifier solution [4,5].The aim of this paper is to characterize isothermal as well as Massmann-type atomizers (equipped with and without platforms) with respect to sensitivity and susceptibility to interference effects as well as identifying future needs in order to develop the graphite furnace technique further.     

Preatomization behaviour of Se(-II), Se(IV), and Se(VI) in the graphite furnace without and with matrix modifiers

Summary Using ⁷⁵Se as a radiotracer, the preatomization behaviour of selenium in the graphite furnace was studied. The selenium forms investigated included Se(-II)-methionine, selenite, and selenate in a 0.2% HNO₃ solution, and in a 0.2% HNO₃ solution containing 1% NaCl. The effect of nickel nitrate and of the mixture of palladium/magnesium nitrates as matrix modifiers and of boron nitride coating of the graphite tube on the behaviour of selenium was investigated. The best stabilization effect for all oxidation states of selenium in the conventional graphite tube was achieved by using the mixture Pd/Mg. A considerable degree of modifier-free stabilization of selenuium could be achieved in boron nitride coated tubes. After the conversion of Se(IV) to a volatile piaselenol, a quantitative preatomization separation of Se(IV) from Se(VI) in the boron nitride coated tube was possible. However problems with these newtype tubes still to be solved include the need to increase the thermal stability of the coating.     

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).     

石墨炉原子吸收光谱中海水的背景吸收研究

由于海水的成分复杂,含盐量高,给用石墨炉直接测定其中的痕量杂质带来许多困难^[1]。Sturgeon等用预先分离的方法来克服干扰^[2]。为了进行直接测定,研究海水背景吸收的来源、特点和消除方法是重要的。海水背景吸收的波长特性和在石墨管内蒸发行为的研究表明,海水的背景吸收主要来自氯化钠。时间特性的研究表明,背景吸收的时间分布及背景峰高与原子化阶段的加热方式和原子化温度有关。作者还研究了基体改进。剂和其它减小背景吸收的方法。     

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.     

Structural and optical characterization of colloidal Se nanoparticles prepared via the acidic decomposition of sodium selenosulfate

Colloidal selenium nanoparticles (NPs) were synthesized via acidic decomposition of sodium selenosulfate. The effects of synthesis and post-synthesis treatment conditions on the size, structure and size distribution of the Se nanoparticles are discussed. It is shown that the decomposition of sodium selenosulfate with non-oxidative acids (e.g., HCl) in aqueous solutions of polymers (sodium polyphosphate, gelatin, polyvinyl alcohol, polyethyleneglycole) and surfactants (sodium dodecylsulfonate, cetylpyridinium chloride) results in the formation of amorphous 25–200 nm Se nanoparticles converting upon ageing at 90 °C into trigonal 150–250 nm Se nanocrystals. Optical properties (absorption and Raman spectra) of freshly prepared and aged Se nanoparticles both in colloidal solutions and in polymeric (polyvinyl alcohol) films are analyzed.     

Optimization of the determination of selenium in marine samples by atomic absorption spectrometry: Comparison of a flameless graphite furnace atomic absorption system with a hydride generation atomic absorption system

A comparison has been made between a graphite furnace system based on nickel as a matrix stabilizing metal and an automated hydride generation system with a heated quartz cell. The effect of nickel as a matrix modifier was studied in pure selenite solutions as well as in biological matrixes by different charring temperatures. The suppression effect of different acids on the response of the analyte is reported and discussed. The use of an electrically heated quartz tube as an alternative to the argon hydrogen flame method unproved the selenium determination by hydride generation atomic absorption. The effect of hydrochloric acid to secure quantitative formation of selenium (IV) and the interference of copper in the response measurements have been studied. Further a comparison has been made between three different digestion procedures when the hydride generation atomic absorption system was applied. The results of the graphite furnace atomic absorption and the hydride generation atomic absorption were found to be equally accurate, but the graphite furnace technique gave better reproducibility.     

表面活性剂控制的硒纳米线的室温生长

以表面活性剂十二烷基硫酸钠(SDS)为形貌导向剂,利用Na₂Se在室温碱性水溶液中的自发氧化,成功制备了Se纳米线。用TEM、SEM、EDX、XRD、HRTEM、SEAD等手段表征了Se纳米线的组成和结构。结果表明,合成的Se纳米线是沿六方相Se的[001]轴方向生长,具有良好的晶型结构。使用TEM对不同时间Se纳米结构的生长过程的形貌进行了跟踪,探讨了Se纳米线的形成机理,发现其形成与生长过程符合“solid-solution-solid”机理。同时,选择了具有特异官能团(如-OH,-COOH,-CONH₂)的3种表面活性剂,研究它们在纳米硒的取向性生长中的导向作用,只有SDS能引导合成出高质量的Se纳米线。     

Matrix modification with silver for the electrothermal atomization of arsenic and selenium

Silver as a matrix modifier is shown to improve the carbon-rod atomization of both arsenic and selenium for atomic absorption spectrometry. Compared to nickel, the efficiency of silver is greater for arsenic and about the same for selenium. Silver fulfils two functions in its reaction, namely stabilization during the ashing stage and enhancement of absorbance in the final atomization.     

Selenium speciation in cow milk obtained after supplementation with different selenium forms to the cow feed using liquid chromatography coupled with hydride generation-atomic fluorescence spectrometry

The purpose of this paper is to develop an easy and quick on-line selenium speciation method (LC-UV-HG-AFS) in cow milk obtained after different supplementation to cow feed. This study focuses on selenium speciation in cow milk after the use of different selenium species (organic selenium as selenised yeast and inorganic selenium as sodium selenite) in the supplementation of forages. Separation was carried out on a μBondapack C₁₈ column with the positively charged ion-pairing agent tetraethylammonium chloride in the mobile phase. The optimization of pre-reduction conditions was carried out; this step was done with UV irradiation and a heating block to improve the reduction of the different Se-compounds. Variables such as exposure time, hydrochloric acid concentration and temperature were studied. The detection limits for SeCyst₂, Se(IV), SeMet and Se(VI) were 0.4, 0.5, 0.9 and 1.0 μg l⁻¹, respectively. The proposed method was applied to cow milk samples. The milk samples obtained after an organic supplementation of feeding as selenised yeast present three species of selenium, SeCyst2, Se(IV) and SeMet, while only SeCyst2 and Se(IV) are present in milk samples obtained after an inorganic supplementation of feeding.     

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.     

Evaluation of ammonia as diluent for serum sample preparation and determination of selenium by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

A method for the determination of total selenium in serum samples by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was evaluated. The method involved direct introduction of 1:5 diluted serum samples (1% v/v NH₄OH+0.05% w/v Triton X-100^®) into transversely heated graphite tubes, and the use of 10 μg Pd+3 μg Mg(NO₃)₂ as chemical modifier. Optimization of the modifier mass and the atomization temperature was conducted by simultaneously varying such parameters and evaluating both the integrated absorbance and the peak height/peak area ratio. The latter allowed the selection of compromise conditions rendering good sensitivity and adequate analyte peak profiles. A characteristic mass of 49 pg and a detection limit (3s) of 6 μg 1⁻¹ Se, corresponding to 30 μg l⁻¹ Se in the serum sample, were obtained. The analyte addition technique was used for calibration. The accuracy was assessed by the determination of total selenium in Seronorm™ Trace Elements Serum Batch 116 (Nycomed Pharma AS). The method was applied for the determination of total selenium in ten serum samples taken from individuals with no known physical affection. The selenium concentration ranged between 79 and 147 μg l⁻¹, with a mean value of 114±22 μg l⁻¹.     

Direct As,Bi, Ge,Hg and Se(IV) cold vapor/hydride generation from coal fly ash slurry samples and determination by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Direct cold vapor and hydride generation procedures for As, Bi, Ge, Hg and Se(IV) from aqueous slurry of coal fly ash samples have been developed by using a batch mode generation system. Ir-treated graphite tubes have been used as a preconcentration and atomization medium of the vapors generated. A Plackett–Burman experimental design has been used as a strategy for evaluation of the effects of several parameters affecting the vapor generation efficiency from solid particles, vapor trapping and atomization efficiency from Ir-treated graphite tubes. The effects of parameters such as hydrochloric acid and sodium tetrahydroborate, argon flow rate, trapping and atomization temperatures, trapping time, acid solution volume and mean particle size have been investigated. The significant parameters obtained (trapping and atomization temperatures for As and Ge; trapping temperature and trapping time for Bi; argon flow rate and atomization temperature for Se) have been optimized by 2²+star central composite design. For Hg, the trapping temperature has been also significant. Optimum values of the parameters have been selected for the development of direct cold vapor/hydride generation methods from slurry particles. The accuracy of methods have been verified by using NIST-1633a coal fly ash certified reference material. Absolute detection limits of 11.5, 48.0, 600, 55.0 and 11.0 ng l⁻¹ for As, Bi, Ge, Hg and Se have been achieved, respectively. A particle size less than 50 μm has shown to be adequate to obtain total cold vapor/hydride generation of metals content in the aqueous slurry particles.     

Interference of salts on the determination of lead by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. Ion chromatographic study

The influence of various salts on the atomization signal of lead has been examined by using a transverse heated atomic absorption spectrometer. To get more information about interference mechanisms, volatilization of salts has been studied by ion chromatographic analysis of the residue left on the furnace after drying or charring. The use of a Pd/Mg chemical modifier in these model solutions has also been examined. In 0.1 M chloride medium, NaCl, MgCl₂ and CaCl₂ do not interfere significantly. However, their different behaviour in the furnace, and particularly hydrolysis of MgCl₂ influence greatly the charring curves of Pb. The use of a Pd/Mg modifier appears interesting only in the case of NaCl. Indeed, Pd stabilizes Pb sufficiently to permit the removal of NaCl by charring. In the case of MgCl₂, Pb is not sufficiently stabilized to remove chloride through hydrolysis of MgCl₂ or volatilization of MgCl₂. In the presence of CaCl₂, the Pb signal is delayed and coincides with the background absorption signal of CaCl₂; the stabilization effect is not sufficient to eliminate CaCl₂ by charring before atomization. At 0.1 M nitrate concentration, the presence of NaNO₃, Mg(NO₃)₂, and particularly Ca(NO₃)₂, greatly modifies the atomization signal shape of Pb. Pb is more stabilized in nitrate medium, but losses are observed at the decomposition step of nitrate salts. In this medium, the stabilization effect of Pd leads to a single peak signal and permits elimination of nitrate decomposition products before atomization. Interference effects are more important in the presence of 0.1 M sulphate salts and increase with the acidity of the medium. Na₂SO₄, which is reduced to Na₂S on the graphite, does not interfere significantly. However, the decomposition products of MgSO₄ and CaSO₄ induce an important interference effect on the determination of Pb which is stabilized in the furnace. In the case of Na₂SO₄, the use of the Pd/Mg modifier delays the atomization signal which coincides with the background absorption signal, leading to an important interference effect which cannot be eliminated by charring. In the presence of MgSO₄ and CaSO₄, the stabilizing effect of Pd permits the elimination of decomposition products of sulphate salts before atomization and suppresses the chemical interference effect.     

石墨炉内石墨探针表面上的原子化机理研究——Ⅷ 锡的原子化机理

利用探针原子化技术,研究了在普通石墨管中锡化合物的原子化过程中所发生的化学反应,阐述了锡的原子化机理。结果表明,锡试样首先转化成为氧化物,氧化物发生石墨碳还原而生成气态原子。