Determination of bismuth and lead in geological samples by electrothermal AAS Part 1. Comparative study of tungsten containing chemical modifiers

A comparative study on the efficiency of some tungsten containing chemical modifiers such as W, W+Pd, W+Rh, W+Pt and W+Ru for thermal stabilization of Bi, In, Pb and Sb has been performed systematically by a Zeeman electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometer (ETAAS). The addition of tartaric acid (TA) as a reducing agent additionally to the mixed modifiers was studied. A mixture of W+Pd+TA was found to be a powerful mixed modifier for the determination of Bi, In, Pb and Sb. Pretreatment temperatures could be increased up to 1250–1500° C using this mixed modifier. The use of the mixed modifier results in an enhanced accuracy and precision of the method and recovery rates above 97% for all samples. The W+Pd+TA mixed modifier was applied to the determination of Bi and Pb in dissolved geological reference samples. Received: 14 March 1996 / Revised: 3 June 1996 / Accepted: 30 June 1996     

Determination of bismuth, indium and lead in geological samples by electrothermal AAS Part 2. Comparative study of palladium and molybdenum containing chemical modifiers*

A comparative and systematic study has been carried out of the effects of palladium and molybdenum containing chemical modifiers, such as Pd + Rh, Pd + Pt, Pd + Ru, Pd + Rh + Pt, Pd + Rh + Ru, Mo + Pd, Mo + Rh, Mo + Ru and Mo + Pt and additionally tartaric acid (TA) as a reducing agent together with mixed modifiers for the thermal stabilization of Bi, In and Pb in a Zeeman electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer (ETAAS). The effect of the mass ratios of the mixed modifier components on the maximum pretreatment temperature for the analytes has been determined. The modifier mixtures of Pd + Rh + Pt, Mo + Pd + TA and Mo + Pt + TA were found to be especially powerful for the determination of Bi, In and Pb. These mixed modifiers could increase the ashing temperatures of the analytes up to 1250–1400° C. They were applied to the determination of Bi and Pb in dissolved geological reference samples and accuracy and precision of the method were thereby enhanced. The percent relative error was decreased from 20.0 to 0.4 for Bi and from 10.5 to 0.3 for Pb, depending on the sample type. Received: 9 May 1997 / Revised: 19 August 1997 / Accepted: 20 August 1997     

Determination of bismuth, indium and lead in geological samples by electrothermal AAS Part 2. Comparative study of palladium and molybdenum containing chemical modifiers*

A comparative and systematic study has been carried out of the effects of palladium and molybdenum containing chemical modifiers, such as Pd + Rh, Pd + Pt, Pd + Ru, Pd + Rh + Pt, Pd + Rh + Ru, Mo + Pd, Mo + Rh, Mo + Ru and Mo + Pt and additionally tartaric acid (TA) as a reducing agent together with mixed modifiers for the thermal stabilization of Bi, In and Pb in a Zeeman electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometer (ETAAS). The effect of the mass ratios of the mixed modifier components on the maximum pretreatment temperature for the analytes has been determined. The modifier mixtures of Pd + Rh + Pt, Mo + Pd + TA and Mo + Pt + TA were found to be especially powerful for the determination of Bi, In and Pb. These mixed modifiers could increase the ashing temperatures of the analytes up to 1250–1400° C. They were applied to the determination of Bi and Pb in dissolved geological reference samples and accuracy and precision of the method were thereby enhanced. The percent relative error was decreased from 20.0 to 0.4 for Bi and from 10.5 to 0.3 for Pb, depending on the sample type. Received: 9 May 1997 / Revised: 19 August 1997 / Accepted: 20 August 1997     

Direct determination of bismuth, indium and lead in sea water by Zeeman ETAAS using molybdenum containing chemical modifiers

Direct determination of Bi, In and Pb in sea water samples has been carried out by ETAAS with Zeeman background correction using molybdenum containing chemical modifiers and tartaric acid as a reducing agent. Maximum pyrolysis temperatures and the effect of mass ratios of the mixed modifier components on analytes have been investigated. Mo+Pd+TA or Mo+Pt+TA mixture was found to be powerful for the determination of 50 mug l(-1) of Bi, In and Pb spiked into synthetic and real sea waters. The accuracy and precision of the determination were thereby enhanced. The recoveries of analytes spiked were 94-103% with Mo+Pd+TA or Mo+Pt+TA and they are only 49-61% without modifier.     

Determination of cadmium, copper and lead in soils, sediments and sea water samples by ETAAS using a Sc + Pd + NH(4)NO(3) chemical modifier

Cadmium, copper and lead in soils, sediments and spiked sea water samples have been determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) with Zeeman effect background corrector using NH₄NO₃, Sc, Pd, Sc + NH₄NO₃, Pd + NH₄NO₃, Sc + Pd and Sc + Pd + NH₄NO₃ as chemical modifiers. A comprehensive comparison was made among the modifiers and without modifier in terms of pyrolysis and atomization temperatures, atomization and background absorption profiles, characteristic masses, detection limits and accuracy of the determinations. Sc + Pd + NH₄NO₃ modifier mixture was found to be preferable for the determination of analytes in soil and sediment certified and standard reference materials, and sea water samples because it increased the pyrolysis temperature up to 900 °C for Cd, 1350 °C for Cu and 1300 °C for Pb. Optimum masses of mixed modifier components found are 20 μg Sc + 4 μg Pd + 8 μg NH₄NO₃. Characteristic masses of Cd, Cu and Pb obtained are 0.6, 5.3 and 15.8 pg, respectively. The detection limits of Cd, Cu and Pb were found to be 0.08, 0.57 and 0.83 μg l⁻¹, respectively. Depending on the solid sample type, the percent recoveries were increased up to 103% for Cd, Cu and Pb by using the proposed modifier mixture. The accuracy of the determination of analytes in the sea water samples was also increased.     

Comparison of action of mixed permanent chemical modifiers for cadmium and lead determination in sediments and soils by slurry sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Slurry sampling atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization was used to the determination of cadmium (Cd) and lead (Pb) in soils and sediments using permanent modifiers. Comparison of action of mixed permanent modifiers niobium (Nb)/iridium (Ir) and tungsten (W)/iridium (Ir) were studied in detail. The effect of amount of Ir, W and Nb on analytical signals of Cd and Pb was examined. The optimal amounts of modifiers for Cd and Pb determination were stated. Niobium carbide formation on graphite surface was studied for different pyrolysis temperatures. Finally for Cd determination in sediments and soils 200 μg of Nb mixed with 5 μg of Ir was used as permanent modifiers and 15 μg of Nb mixed with 200 μg of Ir for Pb determination. Suspensions were prepared in 5% HNO₃. The analytical procedure was optimized carefully basing on data from pyrolysis and atomization curves studies. Ammonium dihydrogen phosphate was used additionally as matrix modifier during Cd determination in samples in order to prevent interferences coming from matrix components. The analysis of CRMs confirmed the reliability of the proposed approach. The precision and accuracy of Cd and Pb determination by the described method for soils and sediments were acceptable.     

Cadmium,lead, copper and manganese determination in human deciduous teeth by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using a lanthanum,palladium and citric acid mixture as chemical modifier

Cadmium, lead, copper and manganese were determined in human deciduous teeth and bone ash 1400 standard reference material by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS), using a lanthanum + palladium + citric acid (CA) modifier mixture. Optimum masses and mass ratios of La, La + Pd and La + Pd + CA modifiers for analytes in bone ash 1400 sample solution were investigated. Pyrolysis and atomization temperatures of analytes in a tooth sample solution were obtained with and without modifiers. The mixture of La + Pd + CA was found to be preferable for the determination of analytes in tooth samples and bone ash 1400, dissolved in a mixture of HNO₃ + H₂O₂. The detection limits and characteristic masses of analytes were obtained with or without modifiers based on integrated absorbance for tooth sample solution (2% m/v). The detection limits obtained with La + Pd + CA are 6,24,16 and 46 ng g^?1 for Cd, Cu, Mn and Pb, respectively. Recovery tests for analytes in bone ash 1400 and a tooth solution with La and La + Pd + CA modifier mixture were studied and compared with certified and non certified values. The La + Pd + CA mixture was also applied to the determination of Cd, Pb, Cu and Mn in tooth samples.     

Determination of antimony in wine by hydride generation graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

 A method was developed for the determination of Sb in wine by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, based on preconcentration by hydride generation with collection directly in the graphite furnace. Thiourea was added for prereduction of Sb(V) to Sb(III). The hydride was directly generated from diluted wine. Palladium was used as modifier in the collection step; the overall efficiency of the hydride/trapping system was found to be 67%. Sb was determined in several samples of red wine; the concentrations found were in the range 0.6 to 5.7 μg/L Sb. The detection limit of the method was 39 pg Sb, corresponding to 0.13 μg/L Sb in wine when 0.3 mL wine was analyzed. Received: 3 November 1995/Revised: 22 February 1996/Accepted: 24 February 1996     

Determination of antimony in wine by hydride generation graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

 A method was developed for the determination of Sb in wine by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, based on preconcentration by hydride generation with collection directly in the graphite furnace. Thiourea was added for prereduction of Sb(V) to Sb(III). The hydride was directly generated from diluted wine. Palladium was used as modifier in the collection step; the overall efficiency of the hydride/trapping system was found to be 67%. Sb was determined in several samples of red wine; the concentrations found were in the range 0.6 to 5.7 μg/L Sb. The detection limit of the method was 39 pg Sb, corresponding to 0.13 μg/L Sb in wine when 0.3 mL wine was analyzed. Received: 3 November 1995/Revised: 22 February 1996/Accepted: 24 February 1996     

Palladium and magnesium nitrates,a more universal modifier for graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

A mixture of palladium and magnesium nitrates was found to be a very powerful modifier for the determination of As, Bi, In, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Te and Tl in graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry. Thermal pretreatment temperatures of 900-1400°C can be used with the proposed modifier. This is in most cases substantially more than what can be applied with the modifiers recommended up to now, so that separation of the analyte from the concomitants should be easier. This is shown to be true for the determination of lead in sea water and of selenium in biological materials. Optimum atomization temperatures are more uniform and typically around 2000°C for the investigated elements when the palladium and magnesium nitrates mixed modifier is used. This modifier therefore allows the use of common conditions for all the investigated elements with a minimum sacrifice in sensitivity, an important pre-requirement for multi-element furnace techniques. The proposed mixed modifier also minimizes the risk of contamination because palladium as well as magnesium nitrate can be obtained in high purity, and both elements are infrequently determined in the graphite furnace.     

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the sequential determination of trace metals in sea water after electrothermal vaporization of their dithiocarbamate complexes in methyl isobutyl ketone

 A sensitive method has been developed for the sequential determination of V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo and Sb in sea water using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after electrothermal vaporization of their dithiocarbamate complexes in methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). After complexion with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (NaDDTC), all trace analyte elements were simultaneously separated from sea water matrix and concentrated 20 fold in a single extract of MIBK, followed by introduction of 10 μL of the extract into argon plasma using a pyrolytic graphite rod electrothermal vaporizer (ETV). Sensitivity enhancement due to chemical modification using a mixed modifier of Pd(NO₃)₂-Mg(NO₃)₂ was observed for all the elements. The limits of detection ranged from 2 ng/L for Co to 329 ng/L for V. For replicate determinations of the elements in sea water, the repeatability was within 10% (as a coefficient variation), except for V (12.8%). The recovery test performed on a sea water sample resulted in a range value from 87% for Sb to 119% for V. The method has been successfully applied to sea water samples collected from the surface to the depth of 5000 m at a sampling station in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Received: 1 July 1996/Revised: 24 September 1996/Accepted: 25 September 1996     

Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry for the sequential determination of trace metals in sea water after electrothermal vaporization of their dithiocarbamate complexes in methyl isobutyl ketone

 A sensitive method has been developed for the sequential determination of V, Mn, Fe, Co, Ni, Cu, Zn, Mo and Sb in sea water using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) after electrothermal vaporization of their dithiocarbamate complexes in methyl isobutyl ketone (MIBK). After complexion with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate (NaDDTC), all trace analyte elements were simultaneously separated from sea water matrix and concentrated 20 fold in a single extract of MIBK, followed by introduction of 10 μL of the extract into argon plasma using a pyrolytic graphite rod electrothermal vaporizer (ETV). Sensitivity enhancement due to chemical modification using a mixed modifier of Pd(NO₃)₂-Mg(NO₃)₂ was observed for all the elements. The limits of detection ranged from 2 ng/L for Co to 329 ng/L for V. For replicate determinations of the elements in sea water, the repeatability was within 10% (as a coefficient variation), except for V (12.8%). The recovery test performed on a sea water sample resulted in a range value from 87% for Sb to 119% for V. The method has been successfully applied to sea water samples collected from the surface to the depth of 5000 m at a sampling station in the northwest Pacific Ocean. Received: 1 July 1996/Revised: 24 September 1996/Accepted: 25 September 1996     

Determination of cadmium and lead in biological samples by Zeeman ETAAS using various chemical modifiers

The electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric determination of cadmium and lead in biological certified reference materials (CRMs) has been carried out by using NH(4)H(2)PO(4), Ni, Pd, Ni+NH(4)H(2)PO(4), Pd+NH(4)H(2)PO(4) and Ni+Pd+NH(4)H(2)PO(4) as chemical modifiers. A comprehensive comparison was made among the modifiers in 1% Triton X-100 plus 0.2% nitric acid as diluent and without modifier. Zeeman background correction and graphite tubes inserted with platforms were used. Comparison was made in terms of pyrolysis and atomization temperatures, atomization and background absorption profiles. Ni+Pd+NH(4)H(2)PO(4) modifier mixture was found to be preferable for the determination of Cd and Pb. Pyrolysis temperatures of analytes were increased up to 900 degrees C for Cd and 1250 degrees C for Pb by using Ni+Pd+NH(4)H(2)PO(4) in 1% Triton X-100 plus 0.2% nitric acid diluent solution. Biological CRMs were analyzed to verify the accuracy and precision of this method. Depending on the biological sample type, the percent recoveries were increased from 62 to 102% for Cd and from 58 to 106% for Pb by using the proposed modifier mixture. The detection limits of Cd and Pb were found to be 0.04, 0.92 mug l(-1), respectively.     

Determination of antimony in sediments and soils by slurry sampling graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry using a permanent chemical modifier

For comparison of action of mixed permanent modifiers Ir/Nb and Ir/W, the influence of the amounts of modifier components was studied and the atomic absorption pyrolysis and atomization curves were determined with different modifiers. The optimum amounts of modifier components were 30 μg Ir and 40 μg of Nb that were deposited onto the L'vov platform in advance to analytical measurements. The long-term performance of the Ir and Nb permanent modifiers was derived from the investigations by scanning electron microscopy and energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry. The soil and sediment slurries were prepared in 4% hydrofluoric acid and 6% suspension of polytetrafluoroethylene in order to remove the high concentration of silica during the pyrolysis step of 900 °C. The calibration was made by using aqueous standards. The analysis of certified reference materials confirmed the accuracy and reliability of the proposed analytical approach. The precision of Sb determination was characterized with less than 6% RSD.     

Evaluation of tungsten–rhodium coating on an integrated platform as a permanent chemical modifier for cadmium,lead, and selenium determination by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A tungsten–rhodium coating on the integrated platform of a transversely heated graphite atomizer is proposed as a permanent chemical modifier for the determination of Cd, Pb, and Se by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. It was demonstrated that coating with 250 μg W+200 μg Rh is as efficient as the conventional Mg(NO₃)₂+NH₄H₂PO₄ or Pd+Mg(NO₃)₂ modifiers for avoiding most serious interferences. The permanent W–Rh modifier remains stable for 300–350 firings of the furnace, and increases tube lifetime by 50%–100% when compared to pyrolytic carbon integrated platforms. Also, there is less degradation of sensitivity during the atomizer lifetime when compared with the conventional modifiers, resulting in a decreased need of re-calibration during routine analysis. The characteristic masses and detection limits achieved using the permanent modifier were respectively: Cd 1.1±0.4 pg and 0.020 μgL⁻¹; Pb 30±3 pg and 0.58 μgL⁻¹ and Se 42±5 pg and 0.64μgL⁻¹. Results from the determination of these elements in water reference materials were in agreement with the certified values, since no statistical differences were found by the paired t-test at the 95% level.     

Optimization of a single-drop microextraction method for multielemental determination by electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry following in situ vapor generation

A headspace single-drop microextraction (HS-SDME) method has been developed in combination with electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ETV-ICP-MS) for the simultaneous determination of As, Sb, Bi, Pb, Sn and Hg in aqueous solutions. Vapor generation is carried out in a 40 mL volume closed-vial containing a solution with the target analytes in hydrochloric acid and potassium ferricyanide medium. Hydrides (As, Sb, Bi, Pb, Sn) and Hg vapor are trapped onto an aqueous single drop (3 µL volume) containing Pd(II), followed by the subsequent injection in the ETV. Experimental variables such as medium composition, sodium tetrahydroborate (III) volume and concentration, stirring rate, extraction time, sample volume, ascorbic acid concentration and palladium amount in the drop were fully optimized. The limits of detection (LOD) (3σ criterion) of the proposed method for As, Sb, Bi, Pb, Sn and Hg were 0.2, 0.04, 0.01, 0.07, 0.09 and 0.8 µg/L, respectively. Enrichment factors of 9, 85, 138, 130, 37 and 72 for As, Sb, Bi, Pb, Sn and Hg, respectively, were achieved in 210 s. The relative standard deviations (N = 5) ranged from 4 to 8%. The proposed HS-SDME-ETV-ICP-MS method has been applied for the determination of As, Sb, Bi, Pb, Sn and Hg in NWRI TM-28.3 certified reference material.     

Rapid determination of lead, cadmium and thallium in cements using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with slurry sample introduction

 A method is proposed for the determination of Pb, Cd and Tl in cements by ETAAS. The samples are suspended in a medium containing 10% v/v ethanol and 1% v/v both conc. nitric and hydrofluoric acids and are directly introduced into the electrothermal atomizer. The drying stage is performed by programming a 400 °C temperature, a ramp time of 5 s and a hold time of 30 s on the power supply to the atomizer. No ashing step is used. Atomization is carried out at 2100, 1800 and 1700 °C for Pb, Cd and Tl, respectively. For Cd determination, ammonium dihydrogen phosphate is added to the suspension medium. No modifier other than hydrofluoric acid is required for the Pb and Tl determination. It is shown that the results obtained by using direct calibration with aqueous standards for five commercial samples agree with those found by means of the standard additions method. Received: 29 March 1996/Revised: 24 May 1996/Accepted: 30 May 1996     

Study of some palladium-containing chemical modifiers in graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Several chemical modifiers based on palladium have been evaluated: the individual Pd(II) and the mixed modifiers Pd + Zr, Pd + W, Pd + Zr + citric acid, Pd + W + citric acid. The mechanisms by which these chemical modifiers stabilize analytes and control atomization have been suggested. Factors that might have an influence on the characteristic mass and non-spectral interferences are discussed. The advantages and limitations of the palladium-tungsten modifiers are shown.     

Determination of cadmium, chromium, copper and lead in sediments and soil samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using zirconium containing chemical modifiers.

A method for direct determination of cadmium, chromium, copper and lead in sediments and soil samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using Zr, Ir, etylenediamine acetic acid (EDTA), Zr + EDTA, Ir + EDTA, Zr + Ir and Zr + Ir + EDTA as chemical modifiers in 0.5% (v/v) Triton X-100 plus 0.2% (v/v) nitric acid mixture used as diluent was developed. The effects of mass and mass ratio of modifiers on analytes in sample solutions were studied. The optimum masses and mass ratios of modifiers: 20 microg of Zr, 4 microg of Ir, 100 microg of EDTA and 20 microg of Zr + 4 microg of Ir + 100 microg of EDTA, were used to enhance the analyte signals. Pyrolysis and atomization temperatures, atomization and background absorption profiles, characteristic masses, and detection limits of analytes in samples were compared in the presence or absence of a modifier. The detection limits and characteristic masses of analytes in a 0.5% (m/v) dissolved sample (dilution factor of 200 ml g(-1)) obtained with Zr + Ir + EDTA are 8.0 ng g(-1) and 1.2 pg for Cd, 61 ng g(-1) and 4.3 pg for Cr, 32 ng g(-1) and 23 pg for Cu, and 3.4 ng g(-1) and 19 pg for Pb, respectively. The Zr + Ir + EDTA modifier mixture was found to be preferable for the determination of analytes in sediment and soil-certified and standard reference materials. Depending on the sample type, the percent recoveries of analytes were increased from 81 to 103% by using the proposed modifier mixture; the results obtained are in good agreement with the certified values.     

Determination of Lead, Chromium, Manganese and Zinc in Slurries of Botanical and Biological Samples by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Using Tungsten-Containing Chemical Modifiers

Lead, Cr, Mn and Zn in slurries of botanic and biological samples were determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) using W, Ir, NH₄H₂PO₄, W and NH₄H₂PO₄, Ir and NH₄H₂PO₄, W and Ir, and W + Ir + NH₄H₂PO₄ chemical modifiers in an 0.2% (v/v) Triton X-100 plus 0.2% (v/v) nitric acid mixture. Zeeman effect background correction was performed and platforms inserted into graphite tubes were used. Comprehensive comparative studies were carried out with respect to pyrolysis and atomization temperatures, atomization and background absorption profiles, characteristic masses, detection limits and accuracy of the determinations in the presence and absence of modifiers. The mixture of W + Ir + NH₄H₂PO₄ was found to be preferable for the determination of Pb, Cr, Mn and Zn in slurry samples. The pyrolysis temperatures of the analytes were increased up to 1250 °C for Pb, 1000 °C for Zn, 1400 °C for Cr and Mn by using W + Ir + NH₄H₂PO₄ with an 0.2% (v/v) Triton X-100 plus 0.2% (v/v) nitric acid mixture used as diluent solution. The optimum masses of the mixed modifier components were found to be 20 µg W + 4 µg Ir + 50 µg NH₄H₂PO₄. The characteristic masses of Pb, Cr, Mn and Zn obtained are 16.3, 5.6, 0.1 and 1.1 pg, respectively. The detection limits of Pb, Cr, Mn and Zn based on integrated absorbance for 0.5% (m v⁻¹) slurries were found to be 0.14, 0.06, 0.02 and 0.01 µg g⁻¹, respectively. The slurries of botanic and biological certified and standard reference materials were analyzed with and without the modifiers. Depending on the sample type, the percent recoveries increased from 63 up to 104% for analytes when using the proposed modifier mixture.