Bridging the gaps in analytical atomic absorption spectrometry

The techniques of analytical, valence electron, atomic spectrometry (absorption, fluorescence and emission), by themselves, are mainly for the determination of the amount of an element in a sample which has been prepared as a . For a large fraction of trace element analysis such an approach is satisfactory. However, there are some other very important requirements in trace element analysis not now adequately being addressed by analytical atomic spectrometry. A selection of these, familiar to the present writer, will be covered in this presentation. Some interesting initiatives to “bridge the gaps” are now being made. The topics to be discussed are; elemental speciation, direct analysis of solids, elemental and natural isotope analysis using plasma sources, micro analysis by laser probe and vapour generation approaches to improved detection limits. This is not intended to be an exhaustive review of these subject areas but will present material of interest together with recently published key papers. Greatest emphasis is given to the very important topic of speciation.     

Direct analysis of polychlorinated biphenyls in heavily contaminated soils by thermal desorption/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry

A robust analytical method is presented for the direct determination of polychlorinated biphenyls in soil samples by thermal desorption/gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The method is simple to perform (thermal desorption and analysis are performed in-line employing a limited amount of sample, 2?mg) and eliminates the need for any solvent and time-consuming extraction. The analytical procedure was optimized using a soil sample spiked with Aroclor 1254 and Aroclor 1260 and validated with a certified industrial soil sample for which the concentration of thirteen PCB congeners are known. Limits of detection were sensitive to matrix effects and varied substantially among analytes. The matrix effect resulted in a reduction of the limits of detection by 1.5–10 times. However, it was found that the matrix effect is not due to ion suppression but to the increase of the noise of selected ion monitoring (SIM) traces, indicating that no limitation exists with using a single surrogate standard. By employing a 13C-labelled PCB internal standard, limits of detection in the range of 0.8 to 10?µg?g^?1 of soil were obtained. The obtained experimental results demonstrated that the proposed analytical method can be conveniently applied for screening a large number of heavily contaminated soil samples thus avoiding the employment of harmful solvents and time-consuming extraction procedures.     

Detection and quantification of traces of bisphenol A and bisphenol S in paper samples using analytical pyrolysis-GC/MS

In this paper a simplified method based on analytical pyrolysis gas chromatography mass spectrometry (Py-GC/MS) for the detection and quantification of bisphenol A and bisphenol S in paper samples is presented. The method enables a direct analysis of the samples without tedious sample preparation. As the analytes are thermally desorbed, a solvent extraction is not needed. The method is applicable to small samples of ~120 μg. The limits of detection are below 1 mg kg(-1) for bisphenol A and for bisphenol S. The limits of quantification are about 1.3 mg kg(-1). Several validation characteristics of the method developed like standard error of calibration, limit of determination, linearity, and accuracy are given. To prove the accuracy of the method, interferences and matrix dependencies were also investigated. The influence of the pyrolysis crucibles, a special effect of analytical pyrolysis, was additionally investigated. It was found that the impact of the crucibles on the results is significant and one cause for matrix effects.     

Analytical Potentials and Features of Atomic Emission Analysis Using Electron-Impact Excitation of Atoms in Helium under Atmospheric Pressure

A device is described for the atomic emission analysis of vaporous samples using electron-impact excitation in helium under atmospheric pressure. The device consists of a cathode atomizer with a test sample applied onto it and the anode located at 1–3 mm from the cathode. The electrons emitted by the cathode upon heating are accelerated by applying a constant voltage to the electrodes. The mechanism for the formation of a non-self-sustained gas discharge between the cathode and anode is considered and the properties of the discharge are compared to those of the known discharges used in atomic emission spectrometry. The influence of atomization temperature and helium pressure on the analytical and background signals was studied. It is shown that, under certain conditions, the analytical signal increases with helium pressure. The relative detection limits attained for a number of elements are from tenths to dozens of nanogram per liter; this is two or three orders of magnitude lower than those in inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry and of the same order of magnitude as detection limits in inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry.     

Determination of chlorinated hydrocarbons introduced into air/acetylene flames by Fourier transform infrared emission spectroscopy

A Fourier transform spectrometer is used to record the infrared emission from chlorinated hydrocarbons combusted in an air/acetylene flame. In this manner, the chlorinated hydrocarbons are determined by monitoring the infrared emission of hydrogen chloride at 2653 cm(-1). Discussion is presented of the air/acetylene flame background, and the potential spectral interference from the emission of deuterated species. Practical detection limits for chloroform, carbon tetrachloride and methylene chloride in acetone, methanol, and ethanol are solvent independent and are found to be 1.1, 0.80, and 1.0%, respectively. Calibration curves for these three analytes are linear from their detection limits to approximately 55% (v/v). In addition, evidence is presented that flame flicker-noise does not lead to a multiplex disadvantage when the Fourier transform instrument is used for data acquisition.     

Line selection and interference correction for the analysis of tungsten alloy by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry

A method for the analysis of tungsten alloy to determine selected elements using inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectroscopy is described, with emphasis on line selection and spectral interference. The spectral interference coefficients were calculated for the spectral lines of selected major and trace elements. These values were used to select analytical lines and to calibrate concentrtions of the analytes. The detection limits of the elements for this method were determined and compared with those obtained by flame atomic absorption spectrometry and direct current carbon are emission spectrometry. The results indicated that the detection limits for all of the elements determined by the proposed method are significantly better than those obtained by other techniques. In this study, the analytical reliability of the proposed method was estimated by comparison of the analytical data for the two types of tungsten alloys produced by the Korean Tungsten Company with those obtained by the matrix matching method and the results indicated that the accuracy of multi-element analysis is satisfactory.     

Continuous Flow Chemical Vapor Generation for the Determination of Cadmium in Foodstuffs by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry Using Derivative Signal Processing

A method has been developed for the generation of a “cold vapor” of cadmium by means of continuous flow chemical vapor generation from aqueous samples and for use in derivative atomic absorption spectrometry. Variables such as acidity, reducing agent concentration, atomization temperature, argon flow rate, reaction coil length, and other parameters were optimized. Detection limits and repeatability were measured, and cadmium was also determined in certified reference material and in tap water. The results showed that the proposed automated method is simple and accurate with a detection limit of 0.021 ng mL⁻¹ when the derivative system’s sensitivity was 2 mV min⁻¹     

User-oriented software for determination of the precision of signal-integrating analytical methods

A software package for the determination of the uncertainty in signal-integrating analytical techniques is presented. The program can be used to calculate detection limits and to determine baseline drift properties, the influence of drift-correcting procedures and integration time, etc. Complete analytical procedures, e.g., chromatography or atomic emission spectrometry, or parts of a system can be tested. No profound theoretical knowledge is required by the user; confidence intervals are calculated where necessary. The theoretical basis and the structure of the program are evaluated.     

Precision and detection limits in Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

This is the first theoretical study of photometric errors in Zeeman graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry with evaluation of their effect on the precision in the traditional method of peak area determination and the pulse restoration method proposed earlier for linearization and expansion of calibration curves. Besides the fraction of non-absorbed radiation, α, and Zeeman sensitivity ratio, R, the theoretical calculations make use of three more parameters, namely the “energy” value, E, the baseline offset compensation time, t_toc, and the integration time, t_int. The theoretical calculations are supported by experimental data on detection limits for a number of elements and on the RSD obtained in Ag and Cd determinations. A comparison of the precision in the case of pulses with dips has shown the pulse restoration method to be superior over the traditional technique. The theoretical results can be used to improve the measurement precision and the detection limits by proper modification of the spectrophotometer and optimization of experimental conditions.     

Matrix Effects on Water Analysis for Alkylphenols Using Solid Phase Extraction Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry

Gas chromatography with mass spectrometry is frequently used for the quantification of many classes of substances, including alkylphenols. Alkylphenol polyethoxylates are nonionic surfactants used in a wide variety of industrial and consumer applications. Alkylphenol polyethoxylates can degrade to alkylphenols, which are endocrine disruptors. In analytical validation procedures, the most common parameters studied are the detection and quantification limits, linearity, and recovery; however, the matrix effects are sometimes neglected. Although some investigators have evaluated matrix effects, there is no consensus on how to evaluate them during method validation. In this study, the matrix effects of alkylphenol polyethoxylates (nonylphenol monoethoxylate, nonylphenol diethoxylate, octylphenol monoethoxylate, octylphenol diethoxylate) and alkylphenols (nonylphenol and octylphenol) were studied using solid phase extraction and gas chromatography-mass spectrometry analysis. For alkylphenol polyethoxylates, the matrix effects ranged from 16 to 4692%, whereas for alkylphenols (nonylphenol and octylphenol), the effects were insignificant. Therefore, constructing an analytical curve in the matrix for alkylphenol polyethoxylates is essential.     

Methods for determination of polybrominated diphenyl ethers in environmental samples - review

Polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) are a group of persistent organic pollutants. They are used as flame retardants in plastics, paints, varnishes and textile materials. PBDEs pose great risk to the environment because of their high persistence and ability to get into the environment easily due to the lack of chemical bonds with the matrix of materials, to which they are added. Global research studies confirmed the occurrence of those compounds in the majority of elements of water and land environment. Analysis of PBDEs in environmental samples is one of the specific analytical methods of criteria that comprise low detection limits and high selectivity. The analysis of PBDEs in environmental samples is one of the specific analytical methods, in which the main criteria are low detection limits and high selectivity. In this article, a literature review of methods for environmental sample preparation and analysis of the PBDE content was presented. The article discusses the potential of modern extraction techniques such as: solid-phase microextraction, single-drop microextraction, dispersive liquid-liquid microextraction, microwave-assisted extraction, cloud point extraction, hollow fibre-liquid phase microextraction and others for the separation of PBDEs from environmental samples with a complex matrix. Among the methods for qualitative and quantitative determination of PBDEs, a particular focus was put on gas chromatography/mass spectrometry with various injection techniques and different types of sample ionisation.     

Wavelength modulation diode laser atomic absorption spectrometry in analytical flames

The potential of wavelength modulation laser atomic absorption spectrometry in analytical flames is demonstrated by the measurement of titanium, cesium and chromium applying fundamental and frequency doubled radiation of commercially available semiconductor diode lasers. In dependence on the radiation power, absorbances of the order of 10⁻⁴–10⁻⁶ are measured, which reveal very low detection limits even when weak absorption lines are used.     

Use of simplex optimization to improve the performance of an inductively coupled plasma in atomic emission spectrometry

Simplex methods are used in the optimization of many analytical techniques. In inductively coupled plasma—atomic emission spectrometry, various performance criteria can be used, including signal-to-background ratios, signal-to-noise ratios, detection limits, and the minimization of matrix effects. The simplex method can indicate deficiencies in equipment design that restrain performance. The threshold of auto-optimization of analytical instruments has been reached.     

Trace element analysis of Geological Survey of Japan silicate reference materials: Comparison of SSMS with ICP-MS data and a critical discussion of compiled values

The concentrations of 29 trace elements have precisely been determined in 15 international silicate reference materials of the Geological Survey of Japan by spark source mass spectrometry (SSMS) and inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). The samples span a wide range of concentration levels. Most of the SSMS and ICP-MS values agree within analytical error down to the ppb concentration range. Of particular interest are the data for Nb, Y, Zr, Th, U in samples with low trace element concentrations (<1–10 ppm), for which published data are quite variable. The results obtained generally agree with those of modern sensitive analytical techniques (such as ICP-MS, HPLC), but are often much lower than standard XRF and compiled reference values. It is suggested that these discrepancies arise from calibration and analytical problems for standard XRF and ICP-MS and incorporation of these data into compiled values. More judicious selection of data based on analytical methodology and geochemical behaviour is required for samples which challenge the detection limits of standard analysis.     

Atomic spectrometry and flow injection analysis: a synergic combination

The combination of flow-injection techniques with atomic spectrometry (flame atomic absorption and emission spectrometry and inductively-coupled plasma/atomic emission spectrometry) is reviewed, with particular reference to the more recent contributions. The considerable growth in the number of directly couple pre-concentration and matrix isolation is noted, together with the increasing number of reports of indirect methods for metals, inorganic anions and even drug molecules. Many developments are motivated by a desire to increase the performance of the spectrometry over that obtained with conventional methods of sample introduction. Conflicting statements concerning the possible benefits of reduced uptake rate, of air compensation and of peak-area measurement are examined critically. The conflicting requirements of obtaining freedom from stable-compound interferences coupled with god detection limits are discussed, as are means of obtaining the best detection limits. Modifications to nebuliser and spray-chamber design are suggested for maximising peak height (to obtain detection limits) and for working with reduced uptake rates (to reduce stable-compound interferences in flame-based spectrometries). The single well-stirred tank model is used to model nebuliser response and results are presented for the flow-injection behaviour of a Philips Scientific SP9 instrument under conditions of low flow rate which show reasonable agreement with the model. With the instrument, the best detection limits are obtained on the basis of peak-height measurements at the flow rate producing maximum signal-to-noise ratio.     

气相色谱-四极杆-飞行时间质谱和气相色谱-串联质谱对水果、蔬菜中208种农药残留筛查确证能力的对比

对比研究了气相色谱-串联质谱(GC-MS/MS)与气相色谱-四极杆-飞行时间质谱(GC-QTOF/MS)在水果、蔬菜中208种农药多残留检测中基质效应及方法学效能的差异,提出两种仪器在农药残留检测方面的特点和适用范围,为残留检测分析提供参考。在苹果、柑橘、番茄、黄瓜4种基质,3个添加浓度(5.0、10.0和20.0 μg/kg)下,两种仪器中均有93.0%以上的农药回收率在70%~120%范围内且相对标准偏差(RSD)≤20%(n=5)。检测灵敏度方面,绝大部分农药在两种仪器的检出限均低于5.0 μg/kg,满足各国农药残留限量的要求,且GC-MS/MS灵敏度更高,线性范围更宽,定量能力更加准确。筛查确证方面,GC-QTOF/MS在快速、高通量筛查、准确定性及非目标化合物鉴定等方面表现出了优势。     

Construction and performance of a time-multiplex multiple-slit flame atomic fluorescence spectrometer for multi-element analysis

The design and performance characteristics of a new multi-element flame atomic fluorescence spectrometer are presented. Radiation from four hollow-cathode tubes is directed onto an unsheathed air—hydrogen flame. The resulting atomic fluorescence is viewed by a special monochromator with a separate exit slit for each element. The light exiting from all slits is directed to a single photomultiplier tube. The fluorescence signals from different elements are distinguished by a time multiplex approach. Single-element detection limits for ten elements and multi-element detection limits for four elements are presented. The degradation of detection limits by flame background emission noise and effect of flame composition on performance are discussed. Better than 1% precision is obtained for moderate analyte concentrations.     

Systematic investigations of the multi-element preconcentration from copper by precipitation of the matrix as copper(I) oxide and copper(I) thiocyanate

Two methods for multi-element preconcentration from copper by reductive matrix precipitation are presented. In systematic investigations on the coprecipitation behaviour of Ag, Al, Au, Bi, Cd, Co, Cr, Fe, Ga, In, Mn, Mo, NJ, Pb, Sb, Se, Sn, Te and Zn during precipitation of the copper matrix as Cu₂O or CuSCN, the separation parameters were optimized. By combination with a hexamethyleneammonium hexamethylenedithiocarbamate collector precipitation, a concentration of 8 elements (Cu₂O precipitation) or 13 elements (CuSCN precipitation) in a small volume was achieved. The limits of detection of the procedures are, depending on the element, 0.1–5 μg g^?1 for flame atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) and 0.01–0.1 μg g^?1 for graphite furnace AAS. The relative standard deviations are about 3%. The analytical performance of the procedures is compared with that of an electrolytic copper separation.     

Inorganic trace analysis by mass spectrometry

Mass spectrometric methods for the trace analysis of inorganic materials with their ability to provide a very sensitive multielemental analysis have been established for the determination of trace and ultratrace elements in high-purity materials (metals, semiconductors and insulators), in different technical samples (e.g. alloys, pure chemicals, ceramics, thin films, ion-implanted semiconductors), in environmental samples (waters, soils, biological and medical materials) and geological samples. Whereas such techniques as spark source mass spectrometry (SSMS), laser ionization mass spectrometry (LIMS), laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA-ICP-MS), glow discharge mass spectrometry (GDMS), secondary ion mass spectrometry (SIMS) and inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) have multielemental capability, other methods such as thermal ionization mass spectrometry (TIMS), accelerator mass spectrometry (AMS) and resonance ionization mass spectrometry (RIMS) have been used for sensitive mono- or oligoelemental ultratrace analysis (and precise determination of isotopic ratios) in solid samples. The limits of detection for chemical elements using these mass spectrometric techniques are in the low ng g⁻¹ concentration range. The quantification of the analytical results of mass spectrometric methods is sometimes difficult due to a lack of matrix-fitted multielement standard reference materials (SRMs) for many solid samples. Therefore, owing to the simple quantification procedure of the aqueous solution, inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) is being increasingly used for the characterization of solid samples after sample dissolution. ICP-MS is often combined with special sample introduction equipment (e.g. flow injection, hydride generation, high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) or electrothermal vaporization) or an off-line matrix separation and enrichment of trace impurities (especially for characterization of high-purity materials and environmental samples) is used in order to improve the detection limits of trace elements. Furthermore, the determination of chemical elements in the trace and ultratrace concentration range is often difficult and can be disturbed through mass interferences of analyte ions by molecular ions at the same nominal mass. By applying double-focusing sector field mass spectrometry at the required mass resolution—by the mass spectrometric separation of molecular ions from the analyte ions—it is often possible to overcome these interference problems. Commercial instrumental equipment, the capability (detection limits, accuracy, precision) and the analytical application fields of mass spectrometric methods for the determination of trace and ultratrace elements and for surface analysis are discussed.