Direct determination of cadmium in biological material using electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry with a metal tube atomizer and a matrix modifier

A direct determination of cadmium by electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry with a molybdenum tube atomizer has been investigated. Direct calibration method with cadmium standard solutions and ultrasonic agitation method of a solution including sample powder were used. Sulfur served as a matrix modifier for removal of interferences. Though this direct analytical method for cadmium determination in biological materials had a relatively large standard deviation, the accuracy was similar or superior to those of a sample digestion method and the direct analysis without sulfur. The advantages of this method are its simplicity, low cost, high speed of analysis, and rapid calibration.     

Determination of manganese in herbal medicine samples by slurry-sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with a metal tube atomizer

An ultrasonic slurry-sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with a molybdenum tube atomizer has been developed for the determination of manganese in herbal medicine samples. Ten percent glycerol solution was used as the slurry medium. The optimum pyrolysis temperature was 400 degrees C. The detection limit was 69 fg (3xS/N). Matrix element interference was checked and it was found that glycerol as a chemical modifier eliminated the interference. The amounts of manganese in herbal medicines determined by the proposed method are in good accordance with those measured in dissolved acid-digested samples. The method enables rapid calibration, and simple and rapid analysis of manganese in herbal medicine samples at low cost.     

Slurry sampling techniques for the determination of lead in Bangladeshi fish samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with a metal tube atomizer

Ultrasonic slurry sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with a metal tube atomizer has been applied to the determination of lead in Bangladeshi fish samples. The slurry sampling conditions, such as slurry stabilizing agent, slurry concentration, pyrolysis temperature for the slurried fish samples, particle size and ultrasonic agitation time, were optimized for electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with the Mo tube atomizer. Thiourea was used as the chemical modifier for the interference of matrix elements. The detection limit was 53 fg (3S/N). The determined amount of lead in Bangladeshi fish samples was consistent with those measured in the dissolved acid-digested samples. The advantages of the proposed methods are easy calibration, simplicity, low cost and rapid analysis.     

Direct determination of selenium in urine samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using a Zr plus Rh-treated graphite tube and co-injection of Rh as chemical modifier

Different chemical modifiers for use with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ET AAS) were investigated in relation to determining the selenium in human urine samples. The samples were diluted in a solution containing 1% v/v HNO₃ and 0.02% m/v cetyltrimethylammonium chloride (CTAC). Studying the modifiers showed that the use of either Ru or Ir as the permanent modifier gave low sensitivity to Se and the peak shape was very noisy, while Zr or Rh gave no peak at all. The same occurred when Zr was used in solution. For mixtures of permanent modifiers, Ir plus Rh or Zr plus Rh gave very low sensitivity, Zr plus Rh with co-injection of Ir in solution was also not efficient, Zr plus Rh in solution gave good sensitivity, but the best results were obtained with a mixture of Zr and Rh as the permanent modifier and co-injection of Rh in solution. Using this last modifier, the following dilutions with the HNO₃ and CTAC were studied: 1:1, 1:2, 1:3 and 1:4. The best dilution was 1:1, which promoted good sensitivity and a more defined peak shape and made it possible to correct for the background using a deuterium arc lamp. Under these conditions, a characteristic mass of 26±0.2 pg was obtained for Se in aqueous solution. Six certified urine samples were analyzed using matrix matching calibration and the measured concentrations were in agreement with the certified values, according to a t-test at the 95% confidence level. Recovery tests were carried out and the recoveries were in the range 100–103%, with relative standard deviation better than 9%. The limit of detection (LOD, 3 sd, n=10) was 3.0 μg L⁻¹ in the sample. The treated graphite tube could be used for at least 600 atomization cycles without significant alteration of the analytical signal.     

Determination of thallium by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with a metal atomizer

Summary Electrothermal atomization of thallium in a molybdenum microtube atomizer is described. The addition of a low flow rate of hydrogen to argon purge gas resulted in higher peak absorption. In the presence of thiourea the addition of hydrogen did not alter the peak absorption value in pure argon, although the peak temperature shifted to lower region. A high heating rate of the atomizer was recommended for higher peak absorption and improvement of interferences from concomitants. The interferences by concomitants at 50 ng level were modified with thiourea. Modification with thiourea was effective even for interferences from 500 ng of cadmium, zinc or copper, while it was insufficient for 500 ng of calcium, magnesium, chromium, bismuth or lead. Provided the atomization of thallium was carried out at high heating rate and on addition of thiourea as a matrix modifier, the interference from chloride (500 ng) was modified. The absolute sensitivity (0.0044 abs) for thallium was 1.2 pg.

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Thalliumbestitmmung durch AAS mit elektrothermischer Atomisierung in einem metallischen Atomizer

Zusammenfassung Zur AAS-Bestimmung von Thallium wird eine Molybdän-Mikroröhre als Atomizer empfohlen. Zusatz von geringeren Wasserstoffmengen zum Argongas ergab eine höhere Absorption. In Gegenwart von Thioharnstoff erfolgte durch Wasserstoff-Zugabe keine Änderung des Absorptionswertes in reinem Argon, obwohl die Peaktemperatur in einen niederen Bereich verschoben wurde. Für höhere Absorption und zur Verminderung von Störungen durch Begleitelemente wurden höhere Erhitzungsgeschwindigkeiten empfohlen. Störungen durch Begleitelemente im Bereich von 50 ng konnten mit Thioharnstoff verringert werden. Die Zugabe von Thioharnstoff erwies sich ebenfalls als wirksam für 500 ng Cadmium, Zink oder Kupfer, während sie für dieselben Mengen an Calcium, Magnesium, Chrom, Bismut oder Blei ungenügend war. Mit hoher Erhitzungsgeschwindigkeit und Thioharnstoffzusatz konnte eine Störung durch Chlorid im Bereich von 500 ng reduziert werden. Die absolute Empfindlichkeit für Thallium (0,0044 abs) betrug 1,2 pg.

     

Direct determination of cadmium in natural waters by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry without matrix modification

A procedure for the determination of cadmium in fresh, coastal and estuarine waters by polarized Zeeman-effect graphite-furnace atomic absorption spectrometry is validated by using lake waters and seawater. The limit of detection for freshwaters is <2 ng l^?1 cadmium. Undiluted seawater can be analyzed directly without the addition of matrix modifiers with the aid of a stabilized temperature platform. The instrument is calibrated with diluted NBS SRM 1643a (Trace Elements in Water). Analytical performance was tested extensively with fresh and brackish water samples and procedures were worked out to ensure that a high degree of accurately is achieved consistently.     

Direct determination of aluminium in serum and urine by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using ruthenium as permanent modifier

Ruthenium (Ru), thermally deposited on a integrated platform graphite furnace, was investigated as a permanent modifier for the determination of Aluminum (Al) in blood serum and urine by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). The platform was treated with 500 μg of Ru as previously described. The pyrolysis and atomization temperatures for each material were of 1300 and 2300 °C, for serum sample and of 1000 and 2400 °C, for urine. The characteristic mass were of 31 and 33 pg for Al in serum sample and urine, respectively (recommended of 31 pg for Al in nitric acid 0.2% (v/v)). For this reason, the calibration was made with aqueous solutions for both the samples. Calibration curves presented r of 0.99145 and 0.99991 for serum and urine, respectively. With the optimized temperatures, being analyzed eight spiked blood serum samples, the recovery was between 95.90 and 113.50%. Two certified urines samples were analyzed with good agreement between experimental and reference values. In both the samples the R.S.D. were <5% (n=3). The detection limit (k=3, n=10) was of 0.40 μg of Al per liter for both the samples. The absorption pulses obtained were symmetrical, with very low background and without interferences. The life time of the tube-platform was higher than 600 cycles of atomizations for both the urine and serum samples.     

Silicon determination in milk by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using palladium as chemical modifier

A direct method for silicon determination in milk samples by Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry was developed. Palladium was used as chemical modifier at a concentration of 610 mg L(-1); with this modifier, silicon was stable up to 1800 degrees C. The precision and accuracy of the method were investigated. The detection limit was 16.2, 2.7 and 7.2 micro g L(-1) for cows' milk, human milk and infant formula, respectively. The method was applied to silicon determination in 17 infant formula samples, 13 human milk samples and 12 cows' milk samples.     

Electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry of cadmium with a platinum tube atomizer

The determination of cadmium by electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry with a platinum tube atomizer in the presence of air has been investigated. The detection limit of cadmium was 0.09 pg (9 pg/ml for a 10-mul volume). The relative standard deviation of the measurement was 2.9%. For 2.5 pg of cadmium, Cu, Pb, Zn, Al, Ca, Fe, K, Mg and Na (10(4)-10(5)-fold) did not interfere with the absorption signal. The method has been applied to the determination of cadmium in some biological materials. The average analytical value found for the standards lay within the limits of the certified values. The remarkable merits of the platinum atomizer are its stability in air and long life-time (able to withstand more than 1000 heating cycles in air).     

Determination of cadmium in biological samples solubilized with tetramethylammonium hydroxide by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, using ruthenium as permanent modifier

The feasibility of Ru as a permanent modifier for the determination of Cd in biological samples treated with tetramethylammonium hydroxide (TMAH) by ET AAS was investigated. The tube treatment with Ru was carried out only once and lasted for about 300 atomization cycles. The pyrolysis and atomization temperatures, 750 °C and 1300 °C, respectively, were chosen from the temperature curves. The sample dissolution procedure was very simple: a sample aliquot was mixed with a small volume of a 25% m/v TMAH solution, the volume was made up to 50 ml and the mixture was kept at 60 °C for 1 h. Six certified biological reference materials were analyzed and the obtained Cd concentrations are within the 95% confidence interval of the certified values, proving the accuracy of the proposed procedure for a variety of biological samples. The calibration curve, with correlation coefficient higher than 0.99, was established for a working range up to10 μg l⁻¹. The precision was good as demonstrated by relative standard deviations below 3%, except for one sample. The limit of detection (3σ) was 0.05 μg l⁻¹ and the characteristic mass was 1.30 pg, obtained in the presence of the Ru modifier.     

Slurry sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric determination of copper in herbal medicine samples with a molybdenum tube atomizer

An ultrasonic slurry sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric method with a molybdenum tube atomizer has been developed for the determination of copper in herbal medicine samples. Glycerol solution (10%) was used as the slurry medium. The optimum pyrolysis temperature was 760 °C. The detection limit was 72 fg (3×S/N ratio). Matrix element interference was investigated and it was found that glycerol as a chemical modifier eliminated the interference. The amounts of copper in herbal medicines determined by the method proposed are in good accordance with those measured in dissolved acid-digested samples. The method enables rapid calibration, and simple and rapid analysis of copper in herbal medicine samples at low cost.     

Direct determination of Cr and Cu in urine samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using ruthenium as permanent modifier (R1)

In this study Ru, deposited thermally on an integrated platform pyrolytic graphite tube, is proposed as a permanent modifier for the determination of Cu and Cr in urine samples by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. The samples were diluted 1:1 with nitric acid (1% v/v). Pyrolysis and atomization temperatures for spiked urine samples were 1,100 degrees C and 1,900 degrees C respectively for Cu, and 1,400 degrees C and 2,500 degrees C respectively for Cr. For comparison purposes, the conventional modification with Pd+Mg was also studied. The sensitivity for Ru as permanent modifier was higher for the two analytes. The characteristic masses were 7.3 and 17.7 for Cr and Cu. The detection limits (3sigma) were 0.22 and 0.32 microg/L, for Cr and Cu, respectively. Good agreement was obtained with certified urine samples for the two elements.     

Direct atomic absorption determination of mercury in drinking water and urine using a two-step electrothermal atomizer

A new method was developed for the direct electrothermal atomic absorption determination of mercury in drinking water and urine using double vaporization in a two-step atomizer with a purged vaporizer. In this method, a sample is placed in the vaporizer of a two-step atomizer, dried, and vaporized. The sample vapor is transferred to an unheated atomizer cell with a flow of argon and trapped by the inner surface of cell walls. This procedure can be performed repeatedly to preconcentrate mercury in the atomizer cell. Next, a portion of the sample transferred to the inner surface of the atomizer cell is revaporized and atomized by heating the atomizer cell of the two-step atomizer with a purged vaporizer, and the atomic absorption of mercury is measured. It was found that the degree of mercury transfer and trapping is as high as 100% at sufficiently high temperatures of primary vaporization, regardless of the material of the inner surface of the atomizer cell. The detection limits for mercury were 0.24 or 0.024 µg/L for drinking water at a sample volume of 100 µL using a single sample transfer or the procedure repeated ten times, respectively, and 2.0 µg/L for urine at a sample volume of 20 µL and a single sample transfer. The accuracy of the results was confirmed by the analysis of certified mercury samples and samples with known additives.Translated from Zhurnal Analiticheskoi Khimii, Vol. 60, No. 1, 2005, pp. 45–51.Original Russian Text Copyright © 2005 by Vilpan, Grinshtein, Akatov, Gucer.     

Direct atomic absorption determination of cadmium and lead in strongly interfering matrices by double vaporization with a two-step electrothermal atomizer

Thermal pretreatment of a sample using double vaporization in a two-step atomizer with a purged vaporizer makes possible the direct analysis of samples with strongly interfering matrices including solids. A porous-graphite capsule or a filter inserted into the vaporizer is used for solid sample analysis. The technique was used for the direct determination of Cd and Pb in human urine, potatoes, wheat, bovine liver, milk powder, grass–cereal mixtures, caprolactam, bituminous-shale and polyvinyl chloride plastic without chemical modification or any other sample pretreatment.     

Atom formation processes for cadmium in the presence of sulphur in electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry with a molybdenum tube atomizer

The atom formation process that occurs during elimination by sulphur of interferences on cadmium in electrothermal atomization was studied by using a thermodynamic-kinetic equation and measuring x-ray diffraction patterns. Activation energies for cadmium in the presence of Al, Ca, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Na or Pb were obtained in argon-hydrogen in the presence and absence of sulphur. The atom formation process for cadmium in the presence of sulphur was CdS(g) → Cd(g) in the presence of each interferent.     

Lead and cadmium atomic absorption determination in solid carbonized food samples using flame-furnace atomizer

Direct atomic absorption solid sampling analysis using flame-furnace atomizer enables a significant decrease in the analysis duration, to avoid sample pollution and to exclude toxic reagents. The selection of the chemical modifiers decreasing the detection limit and improving the results repeatability is based on the analyte’s free atoms formation mechanism. The developed kinetic approach has allowed to determine pre-exponential factors k₀ and apparent activation energies E_a of atomization processes for Pb(II) and Cd(II) compounds and to propose effective chemical modifiers sodium N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate and urea for food samples. The express and precision technique for lead and cadmium determination in food, using proposed chemical modifiers and carbonization techniques was developed.      

Rapid determination of lead and cadmium in sewage sludge samples using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with slurry sample introduction

Lead and cadmium concentrations in sewage sludge samples are determined by suspending the ground samples in a solution containing 10% (v/v) concentrated hydrofluoric acid, 1% (v/v) concentrated nitric acid, 0.5% (m/v) dihydrogen ammonium phosphate and 0.1% (m/v) sodium hexametaphosphate. Aliquots of 20 microL of these suspensions (4 mg/mL) are diluted to 1000 microL with the same solution and then injected into the electrothermal atomizer. The drying stage is performed by programming a 400 degrees C temperature, a ramp time of 20 s and a hold time of 15 s on the power supply of the atomizer. No ashing step is used. Platform atomization is carried out at 1600 and 1800 degrees C for Pb and Cd, respectively. Calibration is performed using aqueous standards in the 5-75 and 0.2-5 microg/L Pb and Cd ranges, respectively. Results obtained for three certified reference materials and four samples demonstrate the reliability of the procedures described.     

Determination of gold in biological materials by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with a molybdenum tube atomizer

Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETA-ASS) of gold with a molybdenum tube atomizer has been investigated. A sensitive ETA-AAS method was developed. The gold absorption signal became higher with the heating rate of the tube atomizer and as the ratio of hydrogen in the argon purge gas decreased. The optimal heating rate and the optimal gas flow rate were 5.5 C/msec and Ar 480 ml/min + H(2) 20 ml/min, respectively. The absolute characteristic mass (the mass of element giving 0.0044 abs.) of gold by the atomizer was 1.8 pg and the detection limit was 130 pg/ml (3S/N). These values were > 10 times better than those obtained with graphite atomizers, ICP and ICP-MS. The interferences caused by large amounts of interferents were evaluated. The addition of thiourea served to eliminate severe interferences. The recovery of spiked gold in biological materials was in the range of 101-106%.     

Rapid determination of lead and cadmium in sewage sludge samples using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with slurry sample introduction

Lead and cadmium concentrations in sewage sludge samples are determined by suspending the ground samples in a solution containing 10% (v/v) concentrated hydrofluoric acid, 1% (v/v) concentrated nitric acid, 0.5% (m/v) dihydrogen ammonium phosphate and 0.1% (m/v) sodium hexametaphosphate. Aliquots of 20 μL of these suspensions (4 mg/mL) are diluted to 1000 μL with the same solution and then injected into the electrothermal atomizer. The drying stage is performed by programming a 400?°C temperature, a ramp time of 20 s and a hold time of 15 s on the power supply of the atomizer. No ashing step is used. Platform atomization is carried out at 1600 and 1800?°C for Pb and Cd, respectively. Calibration is performed using aqueous standards in the 5–75 and 0.2– 5 μg/L Pb and Cd ranges, respectively. Results obtained for three certified reference materials and four samples demonstrate the reliability of the procedures described.