Use of a capacitively coupled microwave plasma (CMP) with Ar, N2 and air as working gases for atomic spectrometric elemental determinations in aqueous solutions and oils

A comparative study was performed of 600 W capacitively coupled microwave plasmas (CMP) with different plasma gases (Ar, N₂ and air) and aerosol generation with the aid of a Légère pneumatic nebulizer. Detection limits with the different working gases are in the order of 15–4000 ng/mL for Fe, Cr, Zn, Mg and Ca in aqueous solutions. The influence of organic solutions on the stability of the plasma is discussed. The determination of Co, Cr, Fe, Mg and Ni in different oil samples by OES is described, using an air-CMP and pneumatic nebulization after dilution of the oils by 20% with cyclohexane. The detection limits for these elements are in the 100–400 ng/g range. Results obtained for a waste motor oil for the elements mentioned in the concentration range of 4–50 μg/g were found to be in good agreement with those obtained by ICP-OES after digestion of the oils at high pressure in PTFE vessels. Received: 10 March 1997 / Revised: 23 May 1997 / Accepted: 30 May 1997     

Use of a capacitively coupled microwave plasma (CMP) with Ar, N2 and air as working gases for atomic spectrometric elemental determinations in aqueous solutions and oils

A comparative study was performed of 600 W capacitively coupled microwave plasmas (CMP) with different plasma gases (Ar, N₂ and air) and aerosol generation with the aid of a Légère pneumatic nebulizer. Detection limits with the different working gases are in the order of 15–4000 ng/mL for Fe, Cr, Zn, Mg and Ca in aqueous solutions. The influence of organic solutions on the stability of the plasma is discussed. The determination of Co, Cr, Fe, Mg and Ni in different oil samples by OES is described, using an air-CMP and pneumatic nebulization after dilution of the oils by 20% with cyclohexane. The detection limits for these elements are in the 100–400 ng/g range. Results obtained for a waste motor oil for the elements mentioned in the concentration range of 4–50 μg/g were found to be in good agreement with those obtained by ICP-OES after digestion of the oils at high pressure in PTFE vessels. Received: 10 March 1997 / Revised: 23 May 1997 / Accepted: 30 May 1997     

Graphite furnace analysis—getting easier and achieving more?

The impact of microwave digestion, hot injection of solutions and chemical modification on the analysis of biological samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS) has been assessed. The stabilizing effects of palladium and ruthenium modifiers were compared. Although ruthenium has a higher atom appearance temperature, palladium was the more useful modifier when samples other than water were analysed. When 2 μg of palladium (as PdCl₂) was preconditioned in hydrogen at 500°C, volatile elements were retained at char temperatures up to 1000–1100°C. This allowed similar atomizer programmes to be used for Cd, Cu, Fe, Mn and Pb and accurate determination of these analytes in solutions of reference materials was achieved aqueous standards. Rapid drying of the solutions by hot injection at 120°C reduced the programme time to just over 1 min. A combination of microwave digestion, hot injection of 40% (w/v) HNO₃ solutions and Pd modification produced a rapid and sensitive method for determination of Cd and Pb at sub-μg g^?1 levels in vegetable and protein foodstuffs. Palladium modification also proved useful in simultaneous multi-element determination by continuum source AAS. The picogram detection limits obtained for Cr, Mn and Pb were similar to line source AAS values recorded with the same compromise programme. Accurate determination of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Mo and Pb in NIST SRM 1566 Oyster Tissue indicated the potential of continuum source AAS for multi-element determinations. The advantages of palladium modifications were also illustrated for furnace atomic non-thermal excitation spectrometry (FANES) with a hollow-cathode discharge. The maximum char temperatures of Ag, Ga, Hg, Pb, Sb and Se were increased by 300–600°C in the presence of 1 μg of Pd, although the detection limits were a factor of two poorer.     

Inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry method for determination of trace metals in alkaline-earth matrices after flotation separation

An inductively coupled plasma-atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES) method is developed for determination of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni, Tl and Zn in traces in calcite, CaCO₃, dolomite, CaMg(CO₃)₂, and gypsum, CaSO₄. Interferences of a Ca/Mg matrix on analyte intensities were investigated. The results reveal that Ca does not interfere with Cr, Ni and Zn, but tends to decrease the intensity of the other elements. Magnesium as a matrix element does not interfere on with Zn, but increases the intensities of Ni, Cr and Cu, and decreases the intensities of Cd, Co and Tl. To eliminate these matrix interferences on trace element intensities, a flotation separation method is proposed. Lead(II) hexamethylenedithiocarbamate, Pb(HMDTC)₂, is applied as a collector for flotation of trace elements from acidic solutions of mineral samples. The flotation of acidic aqueous solutions of calcite, dolomite and gypsum was performed at pH 6.0, using 10 mg l⁻¹ Pb and 0.3 mmol l⁻¹ HMDTC⁻ added to 1 l of solution tested. The method detection limits of analytes in different minerals range from 0.02 to 0.06 μg g⁻¹ for Cd, 0.04 to 0.10 μg g⁻¹ for Co, 0.03 to 0.13 μg g⁻¹ for Cr, 0.02 to 0.16 μg g⁻¹ for Cu, 0.09 to 0.30 μg g⁻¹ for Ni, 6.45 to 7.71 μg g⁻¹ for Tl and 0.18 to 0.20 μg g⁻¹ for Zn.     

Multielemental analysis in small amounts of environmental reference materials with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

The lowest possible sample weight for performing multielemental trace element analysis on environmental and biological samples by ICP-MS has been investigated. The certified reference materials Bovine Liver NIST SRM 1577b, Human Hair NCS DC 73347 and Oriental Tobacco Leaves CTA-OTL-1 were applied at sample weights (1, 5, 20 and 50 mg aliquots, n = 10) which were significantly lower than those recommended with most recoveries in the range of 95–110%. Samples were digested in a mixture of nitric acid, hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen fluoride by closed-vessel microwave digestion. Multielemental analysis was performed with an optimized ICP-QMS method. Aqueous standard solutions were applied for external calibration with rhodium as the internal standard element. The detection limits varied between 0.02–¶0.38 μg/g for Li, Na, Cr, Mn, Ni, Cu, Zn, Sr, Cd, Ba and Pb, and up to 1.92 μg/g for Mg, Al, Ca, Fe and Ni. Digested human plasma samples were spiked with multielemental solution (0.5–10 μg/L) to test the analytical method and the recoveries were 95–105% for most analytes. Our results show that in the case of homogeneous SRMs it is possible to use them in very low amounts (1–5 mg) for method development and quality control.     

The application of resonance monochromators to the determination of lithium in blood serum by atomic absorption spectrophotometry

Lithium in blood serum can be determined rapidly and with sufficient accuracy by atomic absorption measurement of solutions of blood serum diluted with water, using either a conventional atomic absorption spectrophotometer or one with a resonance monochromator. Calibrating solutions contain sodium and potassium at approximately the concentrations present in the serum solutions as these metals cause a slight enhancement of lithium absorption in the air/coal gas flame. Results are reproducible to within ±0.2 μg Li/ml in the serum and the limits of sensitivity attainable for samples diluted 1:10 are 0.3μg Li/ml in the serum with the conventional instrument and 0.6 μg Li/ml in the serum with the resonance monochromator.     

Analysis of heavy metal aerosols on filters by laser-induced plasma spectroscopy

Particulate heavy metals can lead to severe toxic and carcinogenic effects in humans when inhaled in higher concentrations. For the development of a quasi-continuous emission monitor based on automatic filter sampling on a filter band, laser-induced plasma spectroscopy (LIPS) was studied for analysis of heavy metal aerosols on quartz fiber filters. The system consists of a 19-inch laser and detector module connected to a miniaturized sensor head through fiber optics, allowing maximum flexibility of the set-up. Parameters for optimum time-resolved analysis, i.e. detection wavelength, timing and filter material, were established. The LIPS investigations were accompanied by a rigorous reference analysis based on total reflection X-ray fluorescence (TXRF) analysis. The detection limits for heavy metals (Cd, Ni, As, Co, Mn, Sb, Cr, Tl, Sn, V, Cu and Pb) on filters varied between 0.01 and approximately 0.91 μg cm⁻², corresponding to volume detection limits of 0.02–2.73 μg m⁻³. Analysis of filter samples from waste incineration demonstrated the potential of the LIPS approach. In combination with an echelle spectrometer, ambient samples from environmental monitoring could be characterized in much better detail, due to the improved detection limits and the superior spectral resolution, and spectral range of the echelle.     

The determination of gold,platinum, palladium and rhodium by atomic absorption spectrophotometry with an ultrasonic nebulizer and a multi-element high-intensity hollow-cathode lamp with selective modulation

The use of a multi-element high-intensity hollow-cathode lamp with selective modulation and a 2-MHz ultrasonic nebulizer for the determination of Au, Pt, Pd and Rh by atomic absorption spectroscopy is described. The sensitivities for the various elements in aqueous and organic media were studied. Only some organic solutions could be nebulized satisfactorily; a solution containing 95% acetone proved to be the best. For aqueous solutions, the detection limits (concn. giving 0.004 O.D.) were as follows: Au, 0.03 p.p.m.; Pd, 0.02 p.p.m.; Pt. 0.3 p.p.m.; and Rh, 0.09 p.p.m. For a 95% acetone solution the detection limits were: Au, 0.009 p.p.m.; Pd, 0.012 p.p.m.; Pt, 0.20 p.p.m. and Rh, 0.06 p.p.m. The coefficients of variation for aqueous and organic media were satisfactory.     

Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric determination of chromium,iron and nickel in lithium metal

Graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry is applied to the determination of traces of Cr, Fe and Ni in lithium metal, after dissolution as lithium chloride. Direct determination is applied to lithium samples containing higher levels of impurities, but determination in pure lithium samples requires preliminary separation by lanthanum hydroxide coprecipitation. With this enrichment, detection limits of 0.02–0.25 μg g^-1 are obtained using 0.5-g samples of lithium. The accuracy of the procedure was checked by analysis of lithium samples by the proposed coprecipitation method, by direct determination, and by determination after extraction, atomic absorption spectrometry being used in all cases.     

Direct Atomic Absorption Spectrophotometric Analysis of Anion Complexes of Platinum and Gold After their Concentration and Separation from Aqueous Solutions by Anion Exchange Chromatography

Abstract

A strongly basic anion exchange chromatography column (Dowex 2X-8) is utilized for the concentration and separation of platinum and gold anion complexes from aqueous solutions at pH 6. Atomic absorption spectrophotometry has shown to be a very sensitive and selective detection system for the determination of the metallic species. When the column effluent is fed directly to the nebulizer of the atomic absorption instrument detection limits, using a 10-ml sample, are 0.4 μg for Pt and 0.03 μg for Au. These detection limits can be proportionately improved by passing larger sample volumes through the column. A linear relationship between signal and concentration is readily achieved using the procedure.     

微波消解-原子荧光光谱法同时测定鱼体中砷和汞

为建立微波消解-原子荧光光谱法同时测定鱼体中砷和汞的测定方法,采用微波消解方法,双道原子荧光光谱法同时测定了鱼体中砷和汞的含量。结果表明,砷与汞的线性范围分别为0.2~2.0μg/L,0.0~50.0μg/L;相关系数分别为r=0.999 8和r=0.999 5;砷回收率为96.5%~101.5%之间,相对标准偏差(n=11)为1.22%,检出限为0.004 2μg/L;汞回收率为98.6%~103.0%,相对标准偏差(n=11)为0.67%,检出限为0.009 6μg/L。用该法测定鱼类中砷和汞,方法灵敏度高、操作简便快速、结果准确可靠。     

电感耦合等离子体光谱法测定高纯镓中的痕量元素

比较了乙醚和甲基异丁基酮（MIBK）两种萃取剂对高纯镓中基体与杂质的分离效果。选择MIBK作为萃取剂,将高纯镓中的基体元素镓萃入有机相,绝大多数金属杂质则留在水相中,用电感耦合等离子体发射光谱法测定了水溶液中 的14种痕量元素。方法的加标回收率为805－110％,检出限在0.001-0.075ug/mL之间。     

Determination of bismuth in nickel-base alloys by atomic absorption spectrometry with introduction of solid samples into an induction furnace

Atomic absorption spectrometry with an induction furnace is applicable'to the determination of bismuth at 0.02–10 μg g^-1 levels in 1–30-mg samples of nickel-base alloys dropped into the furnace. Calibration graphs of peak absorbance versus mass of bismuth are constructed by use of standardised alloys. Samples of alloys can be added to the furnace at 2.5-min intervals. Calibration graphs, accuracy, precision and limits of detection of the method are discussed for 26 alloys. Accuracy is assessed by comparing the induction furnace results with results supplied with the alloys, and with results obtained for solutions of the alloys by atomic absorption spectrometry in association with hydride generation or a mini-Massmann furnace. With alloys containing more than 0.1 μg Bi g^-1, relative standard deviations by the induction furnace method are usually < 15%. The limit of detection for bismuth is 0.02 μg g^-1     

基于MP-AES的在线检测技术在地表水中重金属监测中的应用

通过集成在线富集和在线热消解技术,建立了基于微波等离子体原子发射光谱法(MP-AES)的地表水中重金属的在线检测技术,对珠江干流之一的西江水样中重金属元素(Cd,Cu,Cr,Ni,Pb,Fe,Mn和Zn)进行现场同时在线监测。结果表明,该在线检测技术对这些重金属元素的定量检测能力满足地表水环境质量标准(GB 3838-2002)的限量要求;据环境标准样品中重金属元素分析结果,测定值与配制标准值一致;自来水加标样品的回收率为81.5%~102%。该检测技术对重金属的检出限为1.14~5.34μg/L,检测结果的相对标准偏差(RSD)为0.79%~9.4%,方法可满足地表水中重金属的现场、快速、连续、准确监测需求。     

微波消解-ICP/MS测定烤烟中微量元素含量

以3 mL HNO3和2 mL H2O2的混合消解液对烟草样品进行微波消解,采用电感耦合等离子体质谱测定了烤烟中的Mn、Zn、Cu、Se、N i、Co、Cr、As、Cd、Pb 10种微量元素的含量.结果表明：方法的检出限均低于0.02μg/g,各元素测定的RSD（n=5）均小于3%,样品加标回收率为97.35%-101.30%.方法消耗试剂少,快速准确,适合烟草中多种微量元素的同时测定.     

Rapid ion-exchange technique for the separation and preconcentration of chromium(VI) and chromium(III) in fresh waters

A technique for the separation and preconcentration of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) in fresh waters is presented. The analytical procedure involves the use of anion- and cation-exchange columns. The columns are eluted and the eluate is analysed for chromium using a graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometer. The recovery of Cr(VI) and Cr(III) is 97.86 ± 1.31% and 102.36 ± 1.25% (95% confidence), respectively. The detection limits are 0.019 and 0.020 μg 1^?1 for 200 ml of sample (twice the standard deviation of eleven replicate blanks). The method is rapid and the need for minimum sample handling avoids contamination problems.     

Direct solid atomic emission spectrometric analysis of metal samples by an argon microwave plasma torch coupled to spark ablation

Spark ablation has been combined to microwave plasma torch atomic emission spectrometry for the direct analysis of compact metallic samples. The material is ablated by a medium voltage spark (450 V, 370 Hz) in a point-to-plane configuration and swept into a 100-W, 2.45-GHz argon microwave discharge. The microwave plasma is observed end-on and the radiation analysed with a polychromator. The detection limits for Fe, Ni, Pb and Sn in brass, Cr, Cu, Ni, Mn, Mo, Si and V in steel and Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn, Si and Zn in aluminium with the microwave plasma torch in the case of measurements with a polychromator are in the μg/g range and by a factor of up to 20 higher than those obtained with spark ablation coupled to inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry using a high resolution sequential spectrometer. The stability of the emission signal depends on the element studied and relative standard deviations usually are between 0.5 and 3.5%. In the case of low-alloy steels, the linearity and the precision of the calibration could be improved by internal standardisation. Several elements (Cr, Cu, Ni, Si and V) could be determined in a steel sample (BAS SS 410/1) with high accuracy and precision.     

Determination of antimony dopant and some ultra-trace elements in semiconductor silicon by atomic absorption spectrometry with introduction of solid samples into the furnace

Antimony as a dopant at a level of ca. 35 atom/10⁶ atoms (ppm, atomic) and ultra-trace concentrations of lead and manganese (<0.02 ppm, atomic) are determined in semiconductor silicon by atomic absorption spectrometry after introduction of milligram samples of silicon to a pyrolytically-coated graphite furnace. Calibration was done with standard aqueous solutions. Iron, silver, zinc and cadmium were sought but were at concentrations below the limits of detection. The graphite microboats used for sample introduction were useful for only 3–10 samples because of silicon carbide formation.     

Determination of impurities in silicon carbide powders

Summary The analysis of SiC powders used for the production of high-performance ceramics was investigated by combined procedures as well as by a direct technique including atomic spectrometric detection. For the combined chemical procedure, SiC powders (0.25 g) were completely dissolved in a mixture of HNO₃, HF and fuming H₂SO₄ in an autoclave at 240°C within 8 to 20 h. In the final 0.5% w/v solution 13 elements were determined by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) and by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES). With acid decomposition the detection limits for Ca, Cd, Cr, Cu, Mg, Mn and Zn were found to be in the range of 0.1–1 g/g; those for Al, B, Fe, Ni, Ti and V are at the 1–5 g/g level. With a Babingtontype nebulizer 1% slurries of SiC can be directly analyzed by ICP-AES. Calibration was performed by standard addition of aqueous solutions of the elements to be determined and the detection limits are close to those of ETAAS subsequent to pressure decomposition. The required analysis time was reduced from approx. 24 h to 30 min. First results for Ca, Cr, Cu, Mg, Mn, Ti and V as well as the needs to overcome systematic errors of this method, e.g. for Fe, are communicated.Part of this paper was presented at XI. International Symposium of Microtechniques, Wiesbaden, FRG, Aug. 28th–Sept. 1st 1989     

The determination of trace metals in mineral waters : Part I. Atomic Absorption Spectrometric Determination of Cd,Co, Cr,Cu, Ni and Pb by Electrothermal Atomization After Concentration by Co-precipitation

Procedures based on flameless atomic absorption spectrometry are described for the determination of Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb in mineral waters. Because of matrix effects and the inadequate detection limits for direct determinations, the metals are separated from the macrocomponents by precipitation of their tetramethylenedithiocarbamates with iron(III) as collector, or by co-precipitation on Fe(OH)₃. The detection limits are 0.005, 0.3, 0.08. 0.10, 2 and 0.10 μg l^- for Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Ni and Pb, respectively, and are satisfactory for the determination of these elements in mineral waters. The precision is 2–7%.