Direct determination of trace amounts of sodium in water-soluble organic pharmaceuticals by microwave induced plasma atomic emission spectrometry

The direct determination of trace sodium by microwave induced plasma atomic emission spectrometry (MIP-AES) in water-soluble organic substances utilized in pharmaceutical preparations was developed. No decomposition of the organic constituents was required. Samples were dissolved with water and introduced to the plasma after ultrasonic nebulization without desolvation. A limit of detection (3sigma) of 0.91-3.0 ng ml(-1) was obtained under experimental conditions. The quantitative MIP-AES procedure involved the standard addition method. The sodium content determined in reference material NIST SRM 1568A Rice Flour agreed with the certified value (6.6+/-0.8 mug g(-1)). Physical and chemical interferences were investigated. It was found for the microwave plasma that it is possible to introduce organic substances solutions of concentration up to 5% without sensitivity losses. This direct technique is fast and sensitive and helps to reduce contamination connected with the sample preparation procedure.