Use of solid sampling Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry (SS-ZAAS) for certification purposes

Three methods for the calibration of solid sampling Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry allowing independent calibration based on gravimetric principles and thus usable for certification purposes are described and intercompared: standard addition to the solid sample, use of synthetic solid matrix matching samples and extrapolation to zero matrix. The first two methods lead to the best results, extrapolation to zero matrix is less suited at high concentrations, but is useful where an accuracy of the order of 10% is acceptable.Presented at the 5th International Colloquium on Solid Sampling with Atomic Spectroscopy, May 18–20, 1992, Geel, Belgium. Paper edited by R.F.M. Herber, Amsterdam     

Direct determination of atmospheric lead by Zeeman solid sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS)

Summary Atmospheric lead was collected by membrane filters using two low volume air samplers at Jülich, Stolberg, and Wetzlar, Federal Republic of Germany. Sampling times varied from 2 to 8 h. After sampling, each filter was subsampled in two cross-sections using a clean stainless steel punch (diameter 5 mm). The lead content of each subsample disc was determined directly by Zeeman GFAAS, calibrated with aqueous standard solutions and supported by solid reference materials. The distribution of lead between the subsamples was generally homogeneous, with standard deviations ranging from 11 to 37%, but typically <15% for samples with 8 h sampling time. The analysis of each filter usually took about 30 min. The differences in air quality between the three sampling locations, as measured by the lead concentrations, are discussed. In general, Stolberg appears to have the highest lead concentrations. The mass particle-size distribution of lead in the aerosol samples collected by membrane filters using a cascade impactor at Stolberg was also investigated with the same analytical technique. Using graphite platform boats as direct samplers, it is possible for the dry deposition flux of lead to be estimated. This provides a quick means of assessing the levels of lead pollution in the atmospheric environment. With lead concentrations measured in parallel, the dry deposition velocities of lead can be estimated under various meteorological conditions. Application of similar sampling and analytical techniques to other atmospheric trace metals may be possible.     

Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry

The shift of atomic spectral lines in a magnetic field (the Zeeman effect) forms the basis for three novel developments in atomic absorption spectrometry: (i) greatly improved background correction; (ii) the use of forward scattering techniques as an analytical tool; (iii) the determination of small gaseous molecules.     

Validation of mercury determination by solid sampling Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry and a specially designed furnace

Certified reference materials (CRMs) of different origin were used to validate the direct determination of total mercury by solid sampling Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry (SS-ZAAS) and a specially designed furnace. The temperature program provides only for one step. Atomisation of mercury and pyrolysis of the matrix is performed at a constant temperature in the range of 900–1000 °C. Calibration points achieved by CRMs and aqueous solutions are covered by one calibration line, indicating the absence of matrix effects. Relatively high amounts of chlorine, known for causing problems in mercury determination do not influence analytical results. The excellent accuracy of the method results in a very good agreement with the certified values. The precision of SS-ZAAS measurements in a range from 0.5 to 50 ng Hg does not exceed 3% R.S.D. A limit of quantification of 0.008 μg g⁻¹ Hg was achieved.     

Theory of Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry

A theoretical analysis is presented of the signals observed with different systems that employ the Zeeman effect for background correction in analytical atomic absorption spectrometry.Magnetic modulation of the primary source of radiation offers basically the same possibilities as the deuterium background correction system. Correction for wavelength dependent background absorption is possible only when the magnetic field is applied to the absorbing vapour. Similar expressions are obtained for constant or variable magnetic fields directed either perpendicular or parallel to the optical axis. However, mere magnetic modulation of either the source or the atomizer cannot correct for non-absorbed lines.It is demonstrated that simultaneous correction for non-absorbed lines and background absorption can be attained with a variable magnetic field applied to the atomizer, by taking measurements at three discrete, different field strengths.     

Improved algorithm for linearization of calibration curves in Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

A two-parameter model for simulation of concentration curves in Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry is proposed. The algorithm based on this model can be used for linearization of calibration curves up to the roll-over point. The merits of the algorithm are supported by experimental data obtained for 20 elements under different measurement conditions (light source current and slit width), including the cases where the curvature of the initial calibration curves originates partially from mass-dependent chemical effects and/or non-uniform atom distribution over the furnace cross section. The linearization error does not exceed the random scatter for replicates.     

Use of paper capsules for cadmium determination in biological samples by solid sampling flame atomic absorption spectrometry

In this study, a new device was applied for direct solid sampling flame atomic absorption spectrometry. It was used for trace determination of cadmium in biological samples (bovine and chicken liver). Test samples (0.5 to 7 mg) were weighed into small paper capsules, which were introduced into a quartz cell heated by an air-acetylene flame. Operational conditions for the proposed system were evaluated. There was no significant difference between the results obtained with the proposed system and those obtained after digestion and determination by conventional graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Good agreement was also obtained with the certified values of two reference materials. Background signals were always low. The characteristic mass was 0.34 ng and relative standard deviation was less than 8%. The limit of detection for the proposed procedure was 1.6 ng or 0.23 μg g^− 1 if a sample mass of 7 mg was used. Excluding the steps for sample preparation (drying, milling and weighing), the proposed system allows the determination of 40 test samples per hour and it can be easily adapted to conventional flame atomic absorption spectrometers.     

Effectiveness of linearization of calibration curves in Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

A theoretical analysis is made of the effect of analytical line broadening and of non-absorbable radiation in the light source on the shape of concentration curves in Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. These results have been used in a systematic study of the effect of spectrometer slit width and hollow-cathode lamp (HCL) current on linearization of calibration graphs for 11 elements: Ag, Au, Bi, Cd, Co, Cu, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, and Sb. The effectiveness of linearization throughout the analytical range covered was estimated experimentally on series of 25–30 solutions. Three solutions in each series were used as standards for constructing the calibration graph, the others serving to evaluate the linearization effectiveness. Increasing the slit width and decreasing the HCL current compared to the standard measurement conditions have permitted us to reach a sufficiently high effectiveness of linearization for all the elements studied, with the exception of Ni. The maximum deviation of experimental points from the linear graph under optimum conditions does not exceed 6%. The effect of the Δ parameter used in the computational algorithm on linearization effectiveness is investigated.     

Calibration of solid sampling Zeeman atomic absorption spectrophotometry by extrapolation to zero matrix

Summary A new method is described for the calibration of solid sampling Zeeman atomic absorption spectrophotometry, which can be applied independently of the use of certified reference materials. The specific signal (peak height divided by analyte mass or peak height divided by sample mass, for standard and sample, resp.) is plotted as a function of the analyte or the sample mass, and the line is extrapolated to zero mass. It is believed that this gives a specific signal not influenced by deviations from linearity of the calibration curve and free from matrix effects. The method yielded good results for Zn, Cd and Pb in several certified reference materials.Presented at the 5th International Colloquium on Solid Sampling with Atomic Spectroscopy, May 18–20, 1992; Geel, Belgium. Papers edited by R. F. M. Herber, Amsterdam     

Water analysis by Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry

Summary The determination of trace element concentrations in fresh and marinewaters presents many difficulties because the quantities generally found are below ppb. It is possible to achieve such low detection limits by extraction followed by atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization, provided errors due to non-specific absorption are eliminated as completely as possible. The employment of the Zeeman effect gave a mean for effective correction.The techniques selected for the determination of trace metallic elements are based on the analysis of dry residues for fresh waters and on extraction by organic solvents or ion-exchange resins for fresh and marine waters. In the case of brines, some elements are determined directly, making the Zeeman correction and employing a modifier of the matrix.

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Wasseranalyse mit der Zeeman-AAS

Zusammenfassung Die Bestimmung von Elementspuren in Süß- und Meereswasser bietet Schwierigkeiten, da die Konzentrationen unter dem ppb-Bereich liegen. Solche niedrigen Nachweisgrenzen lassen sich durch Extraktion mit nachfolgender AAS mit elektrothermischer Atomisierung erreichen, vorausgesetzt, daß Fehler durch nicht-spezifische Absorption möglichst eliminiert werden. Dazu wurde der Zeeman-Effekt benutzt. Das beschriebene Verfahren beruht auf der Analyse von Trockenrückständen bei Süßwasser bzw. der Extraktion mit organischen Lösungsmitteln oder Ionenaustauschern bei Süß- und Meereswasser. Im Falle von Solen können einige Elemente direkt mit Hilfe von Zeeman-Korrektur und Matrixmodifizierung bestimmt werden.

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Lecture given at the Collogium on the Analysis of Solids by AAS, Wetzlar, October 8–10, 1984     

Determination of cadmium in coal using solid sampling graphite furnace high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry

This work describes the development of a method to determine cadmium in coal, in which iridium is used as a permanent chemical modifier and calibration is performed against aqueous standards by high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS AAS). This new instrumental concept makes the whole spectral environment in the vicinity of the analytical line accessible, providing a lot more data than just the change in absorbance over time available from conventional instruments. The application of Ir (400 g) as a permanent chemical modifier, thermally deposited on the pyrolytic graphite platform surface, allowed pyrolysis temperatures of 700 °C to be used, which was sufficiently high to significantly reduce the continuous background that occurred before the analyte signal at pyrolysis temperatures <700 °C. Structured background absorption also occurred after the analyte signal when atomization temperatures of >1600 °C were used, which arose from the electron-excitation spectrum (with rotational fine structure) of a diatomic molecule. Under optimized conditions (pyrolysis at 700 °C and atomization at 1500 °C), interference-free determination of cadmium in seven certified coal reference materials and two real samples was achieved by direct solid sampling and calibrating against aqueous standards, resulting in good agreement with the certified values (where available) at the 95% confidence level. A characteristic mass of 0.4 pg and a detection limit of 2 ng g^–1, calculated for a sample mass of 1.0 mg coal, was obtained. A precision (expressed as the relative standard deviation, RSD) of <10% was typically obtained when coal samples in the mass range 0.6–1.2 mg were analyzed.Dedicated to the memory of Wilhelm Fresenius     

Comparison of direct solid sampling and slurry sampling for the determination of cadmium in wheat flour by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Two analytical methods for the determination of cadmium in wheat flour by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry without prior sample digestion have been compared: direct solid sampling analysis (SS) and slurry sampling (SlS). Besides the conventional modifier mixture of palladium and magnesium nitrates (10 μg Pd + 3 μg Mg), 0.05% (v/v) Triton X-100 has been added to improve the penetration of the modifier solution into the solid sample, and 0.1% H₂O₂ in order to promote an in situ digestion for SS. For SlS, 30 μg Pd, 12 μg Mg and 0.05% (v/v) Triton X-100 have been used as the modifier mixture. Under these conditions, and using a pyrolysis temperature of 800 °C, essentially no background absorption was observed with an atomization temperature of 1600 °C. About 2 mg of sample have been typically used for SS, although as much as 3-5 mg could have been introduced. In the case of SlS multiple injections had to be used to achieve the sensitivity required for this determination. Calibration against aqueous standards was feasible for both methods. The characteristic mass obtained with SS was 0.6 pg, and that with SlS was 1.0 pg. The limits of detection were 0.4 and 0.7 ng g⁻¹, the limits of quantification were 1.3 and 2.3 ng g⁻¹ and the relative standard deviation (n = 5) was 6-16% and 9-23% for SS and SlS, respectively. The accuracy was confirmed by the analysis of certified reference materials. The two methods were applied for the determination of cadmium in six wheat flour samples acquired in supermarkets of different Brazilian cities. The cadmium content varied between 8.9 ± 0.5 and 13 ± 2 ng g⁻¹ (n = 5). Direct SS gave results similar to those obtained with SlS using multi-injections; the values of both techniques showed no statistically significant difference at the 95% confidence level. Direct SS was finally adopted as the method of choice, due to its greater simplicity, the faster speed of analysis and the better figures of merit.     

Sources of error in direct solid sampling Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry analyses of biological samples with high water content

Analytical errors were quantified in the direct analyses of trace elements in samples with high water content by means of solid sampling atomic absorption spectrometry with Zeeman effect background correction (direct SS-ZAAS). Time versus mass curves for HNO₃ (0.1 mol 1⁻¹), blood, kidney and liver at different temperatures (+20, +4, −20°C) and mass input (0.07 to 42 mg) were observed. Following a stabilization period, mass losses appeared to be nearly linear and independent of input mass. By means of a function using observed stabilization time and mass losses a 10% increase in analyte content was calculated as occurring at and below 0.06 mg. Experimentally, 10% increases were found to occur within a range 0–0.07 mg for weighed Cd solutions (0.1 and 0.2 ng mg⁻¹ in 0.1 mol 1⁻¹ HNO₃ at 5°C). An automated solid sampling system consisting of microbalance, dispenser, transport system and electronics was integrated in the experiments. Manual working time and the necessity of operator presence were reduced by at least 80%. Performance and capacity compared well to the manual SS-ZAAS mode. Automated SS-ZAAS analysis in fresh animal tissues is proposed for use as a screening and reference method in official residue control.     

Stray light effects in Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry

A transverse Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometer has been modeled using a polychromatic, optical calculus simulation software program. The models were found to be realistic and greatly facilitated the study of the effects of various Zeeman spectrometer parameters and their interactions. The behavior of the Zeeman spectrometer calibration curves, in the presence of three different types of stray light, was modeled. From the initial results, it seems most likely that the major stray light source in real Zeeman experiments is due to polychromaticity of the light source, even when the source profile is relatively narrow in spectral bandwidth.     

Determination of Hg,Cd, Mn,Pb and Sn in seafood by solid sampling Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry

Direct solid sampling Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometric methods were developed and applied to the determination of mercury, cadmium, manganese, lead and tin in seafood. All elements but mercury were measured by a third generation Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry combined with an automatic solid sampler. In 3-field- and dynamic mode the calibrations concentration range was substantially extended and high amounts of analyte were detectable without laborious dilution of solid samples. The measurements were based on calibrations using certified reference materials of organic matrices. In case solid certified reference materials were not available calibration by aqueous standard solutions was proved to be an alternative. No matrix effects were observed under the optimized conditions. Results obtained were in good agreement with the certified values. Solid sampling Zeeman atomic absorption spectrometry proved to be a reliable, rapid and low-cost method for the control of trace elements in seafood.     

A collaborative study using solid sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

A first collaborative study was carried out to test the precision and accuracy of solid sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (SS-ZAAS). Seven test materials, i.e. red cabbage, two bovine liver materials, milk powder (BCR 150), kale, industry dust, and fish homogenate were sent to 11 participants. These test materials were analyzed for cadmium, lead, copper and mercury. Precision was calculated as the repeatability (r) and the reproducibility limits (R). Accuracy was calculated with respect to the Certified Reference Material BCR 150, milk powder. Results showed that the accuracy for milk powder was excellent, and that most results regarding repeatability and reproducibility limits were satisfying. However, some problems were met especially with copper in bovine liver and cadmium and copper in industry dust. It was not clear what caused the problems: the method SS-ZAAS or the inhomogeneity of the material. Especially the industry dust test material has to be studied further in order to locate the origin of the problems.Presented at the 5th International Colloqium on Solid Sampling with Atomic Spectroscopy, May 18–20, 1992, Geel, Belgium     

Maintenance of the slope of linearized calibration curves in Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

L'vov and co-workers developed a theoretical model and computational procedure (B.V. L'vov, L.K. Polzik and N.V. Kocharova, Spectrochim. Acta Part B, 47 (1992) 889 and B.V. L'vov, L.K. Polzik, N.V. Kocharova, Yu.A. Nemets and A.V. Novichikhin, Spectrochim. Acta Part B, 47 (1992) 1187) that linearized calibration curves in Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry by taking into account the presence of stray light. The calculations of L'vov and co-workers were based on three parameters: the rollover absorbance A_r, Zeeman sensitivity ratio R, and the original background corrected peak absorbance values A_z. In order to simplify the calculations, R was assumed to be unity. In the studies reported here, this simplification is shown to be unsatisfactory because the slope obtained in the upper portion of the calibration curve, after linearization, is found to be different from the slope obtained in the normal linear region. Deviations between these slopes were found to be as high as 30%. The present work also shows that the theoretical model of L'vov and co-workers does not have a mathematical solution at high values of A_z. This failure of the model prevents its use at high A_z values. The physical nature of this failure is still unclear, which points to the necessity for further work to understand the inadequacies of the present theory. In the present studies, calculations based on the Newton method of successive approximations (A.I. Yuzefovsky, E.G. Su, R.G. Michel, W. Slavin and J.T. McCaffrey, Spectrochim. Acta Part B, 49 (1994) 1643), allow incorporation of the experimental value of R at the rollover point R′, which better linearizes the calibration curves. By use of this approach, a satisfactory result is obtained for lead (R′ = 0.67) up to the point of failure of the model at high values of A_z.     

Flow injection calibration methods for atomic absorption spectrometry

The use of an atomic absorption spectrometer as a detector in flow injection analysis is briefly reviewed. A new simplified model is described for the dispersion effects observed with such systems; the model is based on considering the dispersion to be due to a single hypothetical mixing chamber located immediately prior to the measurement stage. The utility of this approach is demonstrated for two methods of calibration commonly used in atomic absorption spectrometry, and it is shown that flow injection sample and standard handling techniques are comparable to manipulation with volumetric apparatus. The flow injection method has a number of advantages for the analogue of the standard addition method. The use of an exponential concentration gradient is proposed as a novel method of calibration using a single concentrated standard. Results are presented for the determination of chromium in standard steels.     

A direct solid sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry method for the determination of silicon in biological materials

A solid sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry method for direct determination of trace silicon in biological materials was developed and applied to analysis of pork liver, bovine liver SRM 1577b and pure cellulose. The organic matrix was destroyed and expelled from the furnace in the pyrolysis stage involving a step-wise increasing the temperature from 160 °C to 1200 °C. The mixed Pd/Mg(NO₃)₂ modifier has proved to be the optimum one with respect to the achievement of maximum sensitivity, elimination of the effect of the remaining inorganic substances and the possibility of using calibration curves measured with aqueous standard solutions for quantification. For the maximum applicable sample amount of 6 mg, the limit of detection was found to be 30 ng g^− 1. The results were compared with those obtained by different spectrometric methods involving sample digestion, by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using slurry sampling, by wavelength dispersive X-ray fluorescence spectrometry and by radiochemical neutron activation analysis. The method seems to be a promising one for analysis of biological materials containing no significant fraction of silicon in form of not naturally occurring volatile organosilicon compounds. The still incessant serious limitations and uncertainties in the determination of trace silicon in solid biological materials are discussed.     

Determination of cadmium,copper and lead in mineral coal using solid sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Solid sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (SS-GF AAS) was investigated as a potential technique for the routine determination of trace elements in mineral coal and cadmium, copper and lead were chosen as the model elements. Cadmium and lead could be determined at their main resonance lines at 228.8 nm and 283.3 nm, respectively, but an alternate, less sensitive line had to be used for the determination of copper because of the high copper content in coal. No modifier was necessary for the determination of copper and calibration against aqueous standards provided sufficient accuracy of the results. For the determination of cadmium and lead two different modifiers were investigated, palladium and magnesium nitrates in solution, added on top of each sample aliquot before introduction into the atomizer tube, and ruthenium as a ‘permanent’ modifier. Both approaches gave comparable results, and it is believed that this is the first report about the successful use of a permanent chemical modifier in SS-GF AAS. Calibration against solid standards had to be used for the determination of cadmium and lead in order to obtain accurate values. The agreement between the values found by the proposed procedure and the certificate values for a number of coal reference materials was more than acceptable for routine purposes. The detection limits calculated for 1 mg of coal sample using the ‘zero mass response’ were 0.003 and 0.007 μg g⁻¹ for cadmium with the permanent modifier and the modifier solution, respectively, approximately 0.04 μg g⁻¹ for lead, and 0.014 μg g⁻¹ for copper.