Tungsten coil devices in atomic spectrometry: absorption, fluorescence, and emission.

In this work, tungsten coil (W-Coil) devices are used as atomizers for electrothermal atomization atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS), electrothermal atomization laser excited atomic fluorescence spectrometry (ETA-LEAFS), and electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ETV-ICP-AES). For most cases in ETAAS and ETA-LEAFS, limits of detection (LODs) using the W-Coil are within a factor of ten of those observed with commercial graphite furnace systems. LOD for Cd by W-Coil AAS is 10 pg, while LODs for As, Se, Cr, Sb and Pb by W-Coil LEAFS are 950, 320, 1400, 330, and 160 fg, respectively. The compact W-Coil device makes it an ideal atomizer for portable atomic spectrometry instrumentation, especially when coupled with a miniature charge coupled device spectrometer. Alternatively, the atomizer can be used as an inexpensive, modular add-on to an existing commercial ICP-AES system; and the thermal separation of Pb with interference elements Al, Mn, and Fe is demonstrated.     

Matrix modification by Cu(NO3)2 for the determination of gold by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry with a molybdenum tube atomizer

Matrix modification by copper nitrate in electrothermal atomic absorption Spectrometry (ETAAS) of gold with a molybdenum tube atomizer has been investigated. The addition of copper nitrate served to eliminate the interferences from 10⁴–10⁵-fold concentrations of foreign elements at the 890 °C pyrolysis temperature. The absolute characteristic mass (giving 0.0044 absorbance) of gold in the presence of copper nitrate with the Mo atomizer was 0.26 pg and the detection limit was 38 pg/ml. These values were several times better than those obtained with graphite atomizers. The recovery of spiked gold in biological materials was in the range 96–106%. A sensitive and accurate ETAAS method was developed for complex matrix samples.     

On-line coupling of electrochemical preconcentration in tungsten coil electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry for determination of lead in natural waters

A flow injection system was coupled to a tungsten coil electrothermal atomizer (150 W) for on-line separation and preconcentration of lead based on its electrochemical reduction on the atomizer surface. The electrochemical cell is built up inside the furnace by using a Pt flow-through anode and the atomizer itself as the flow-through cathode. The manifold and the tungsten coil power supply were controlled by a computer running a program written in Visual Basic, which was utilized in synchronism with the original software of the atomic absorption spectrometer. The flow-through anode (50 mm long, 0.7 mm i.d.) was inserted in tip of the autosampler arm by replacing the last section of the PTFE sample delivering tube. The tungsten coil atomizer and the counter electrode were easily connected to a d.c. power supply. An enrichment factor of 25 was obtained for lead after a 120-s electrodeposition for a sample flowing at 1.0 ml min⁻¹. The method detection limit was 0.2 μg l⁻¹ Pb and the R.S.D.<5% (n=10 for 5 μg l⁻¹ Pb). Up to 2% m/v NaCl or KCl and 5% m/v CaCl₂ or MgCl₂ did not interfere on the separation and atomization of 5 μg l⁻¹ Pb.     

电沉积-钨丝电热原子吸收光谱法测定水样中的铅

研制了一种便携式钨丝电热原子吸收光谱分析装置,其主要包括:钨丝电热原子化器、多道微型CCD光谱仪、仪器电源系统以及控制系统。并将电沉积分离富集技术与该钨丝电热原子吸收光谱分析仪器结合,完成环境水样中铅的现场分析。并对铅的电沉积条件作了研究,最佳电沉积电位为负650 mV(vs.SCE),方法检出限:0.20μg/L,线性范围:1~15μg/L,对4μg/L Pb标准溶液10次重复测试,RSD为4.4%。     

Design considerations regarding an atomizer for multi-element electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

The methodology of simultaneous multi-element electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS-Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) stipulates rigid requirements to the design and operation of the atomizer. It must provide high degree of atomization for the group of analytes, invariant respective to the vaporization kinetics and heating ramp residence time of atoms in the absorption volume and absence of memory effects from major sample components. For the low resolution spectrometer with a continuum radiation source the reduced compared to traditional ETAAS (Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) sensitivity should be, at least partially, compensated by creating high density of atomic vapor in the absorption pulse. The sought-for characteristics were obtained for the 18 mm in length and 2.5 mm in internal diameter longitudinally heated graphite tube atomizer furnished with 2-4.5 mg of ring shaped carbon fiber yarn collector. The collector located next to the sampling port provides large substrate area that helps to keep the sample and its residue in the central part of the tube after drying. The collector also provides a “platform” effect that delays the vaporization and stipulates vapor release into absorption volume having already stabilized gas temperature. Due to the shape of external surface of the tube, presence of collector and rapid (about 10 °C/ms) heating, an inverse temperature distribution along the tube is attained at the beginnings of the atomization and cleaning steps. The effect is employed for cleaning of the atomizer using the set of short maximum power heating pulses. Preparation, optimal maintenance of the atomizer and its compliance to the multi-element determination requirements are evaluated and discussed. The experimental setup provides direct simultaneous determination of large group of element within 3-4 order concentration range. Limits of detection are close to those for sequential single element determination in Flame AAS with primary line source that is 50-1000 times higher than the limits obtainable with common ETAAS (Electrothermal Atomic Absorption Spectrometry) instrumentation.     

Direct determination of cadmium in urine by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry after in situ electrodeposition

Determination of cadmium in urine by ETAAS suffers from severe interferences deteriorating the precision and accuracy of the analysis. Electrodeposition step prior to ETAAS allows to avoid interferences and makes cadmium determination possible even at ultratrace levels. The proposed procedures involve electrolytic deposition of cadmium from acidified urine on previously electrolytically deposited palladium film on a graphite atomizer tube, followed by removal of residual solution, pyrolysis and atomization. Both electrodeposition processes take place in a drop of the respective solution (palladium nitrate modifier and acidified urine, respectively), when Pt/Ir dosing capillary serves as an anode and the graphite tube represents a cathode. The voltage is held at −3.0 V. Matrix removal is then accomplished by withdrawal of the depleted sample solution from the tube (procedure A) or the same but followed by rinsing of the deposit with 0.2 mol l⁻¹ HNO₃ (procedure B). The accuracy of both procedures was verified by recovery test. Detection limits 0.025 and 0.030 μg Cd/l of urine were achieved for A and B procedures, respectively. Both procedures are time consuming. The measurement cycle represents 5 and 7 min for A and B procedures, respectively.     

Solid sampling electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry for analysis of high-purity tungsten trioxide and high-purity tungsten blue oxide

A solid sampling ETAAS method for the direct determination of Ca, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Na, Ni and Zn in high-purity tungsten trioxide and tungsten blue oxide powders using a modern spectrometer with transversely heated graphite tube and a solid sampling system is described. The extremely high background caused by the vaporizing tungsten oxides could be eliminated by the reduction to tungsten metal using hydrogen as purge gas during pyrolysis. Quantification of all elements was performed using calibration curves measured with aqueous standard solutions. The analyte contents determined were between 0.033 (Cu) and 12.6 (Fe) μg/g for tungsten trioxide and between 0.001 (Co) and 0.5 (Na) μg/g for tungsten blue oxide. The accuracy was checked by comparing the results with those obtained by ETAAS in analysis of HF/HNO₃ sample digests and by other methods. Extremely low limits of detection being between 0.07 (Mg, Na, Zn) - 2 (Ni) and 0.01 (Mg, Na, Ni) - 1.7 (Fe) ng/g for tungsten trioxide and tungsten blue oxide, respectively, could be achieved due to almost complete freedom of blank and unusually high applicable sample amounts (5–15 mg for tungsten trioxide and 5–70 mg for tungsten blue oxide).     

Atomization of Al in a tungsten coil electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometer

Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrophotometry of Al in a tungsten coil atomizer was evaluated and applied for its determination in hemodialysis fluid. The system was mounted on a Varian Spectra AA-40 spectrophotometer with continuum background correction and all measurements, in peak height absorbance, were done at 309.3 nm. The purge gas was a mixture of 90% Ar plus 10% H(2). Observation height, gas flow, drying, pyrolysis and atomization steps were optimized. The heating program was carried out by employing a heating cycle in four steps: dry, pyrolysis, atomization and clean. The determination of Al in hemodialysis solutions was performed by using a matrix-matching procedure. Al in hemodialysis solutions was determined by TCA and by electrothermal atomization with a graphite tube atomizer. There is no differences between results obtained by both methods at a confidence level of 95%. The characteristic mass of Al by using the TCA was 39 pg and the detection limit was 2.0 mug l(-1).     

Determination of lead in blood by tungsten coil electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A method for the determination of lead in blood using a tungsten coil atomizer is described. A 100 μl volume of the whole blood sample is transferred to a sampler cup containing 100 μl of water plus 300 μl of 0.25% v/v Triton X-100. After lysis of blood cells, 500 μl of 10% w/v trichloroacetic acid is added for protein precipitation and 10 μl of the supernatant solution is automatically delivered into the tungsten coil. The furnace heating program is implemented in 41 s. It is shown by the paired t-test that there is no significant difference at the 5% probability level between results obtained by the proposed method and by using a transversely heated graphite atomizer with a longitudinal Zeeman background correction. Accuracy is also assessed by employing reference materials. The proposed tungsten coil procedure presents a characteristic mass of 15 pg Pb and a detection limit of 1.9 μg Pb dl⁻¹.     

Determination of rhodium in waters by Mg-W cell-electrodeposition and electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A new concentration method of rhodium using Mg-W cell-electrodeposition has been developed. The method was combined with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) with a tungsten tube atomizer. The optimal immersing time was 120 s. The most suitable pH for rhodium electrodeposition was 1.0. Under optimal conditions, the detection limit of rhodium by the ETAAS with the preconcentration was 13 ng ml(-1) (3S/N). The severe interferences on the AAS signal of rhodium by large amounts of Ca, Cu, Fe, K, Na, Pb and Zn were eliminated by the Mg-W cell-electrodeposition method. The method was applied to the determination of rhodium in river and sea water. The recovery of rhodium spiked environmental samples was in the range of 95.6-109%. The present Mg-W cell-electrodeposition method can be utilized in in-situ sampling of trace elements in environmental samples (water). Furthermore, after sampling, it is easy to carry and store the W-sheet without contamination for a long time.     

Multielement electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry: A study on direct and simultaneous determination of chromium and manganese in urine

A study was carried out on the direct determination of Cr and Mn in urine using simultaneous atomic absorption spectrometry (SIMAAS). The heating program conditions, the absorbance signal profiles, the influence of different chemical modifiers, and the urine sample volume delivery into the tube were optimized to perform the calibration with aqueous solutions. Among several chemical modifiers tested, the best recovery and repeatability results were obtained for 3 microg Mg(NO3)2. On using this modifier, the pyrolysis and atomization temperatures for simultaneous determination of Cr and Mn were 1,300 degrees C and 2,500 degrees C, respectively. Urine samples were diluted (1+1) with 2.0% (v/v) HNO3 + 0.05% (w/v) Triton X-100 prepared in high purity water. A 20-microL aliquot of analytical solution and 10 microL of chemical modifier solution were delivered to the graphite tube. The characteristic masses were 7.8 pg for Cr (RSD=4.0%) and 4.6 pg for Mn (RSD=2.6%). The limits of detection were 0.08 microg L(-1) (n=20, 3s) for Cr and 0.16 microg L(-1) (n=20, 3s) for Mn. Recovery studies for 1.0 or 2.5 microg L(-1) of Cr and Mn added to different urine samples showed acceptable results for Cr (100%, RSD=14%) and Mn (88%, RSD=5.6%).     

Evaluation and application of bismuth as an internal standard for the determination of lead in wines by simultaneous electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A method for the direct determination of Pb in wines by simultaneous multi-element atomic absorption spectrometry (SIMAAS) using a transversely heated graphite atomizer, Zeeman-effect background corrector and internal standardization is proposed. Bismuth was used as an internal standard and Pd(NO3)2 plus Mg(NO3)2 as chemical modifier to stabilize both the analyte and the internal standard. The implementation of two pyrolysis steps avoided any build-up of carbonaceous residues on the graphite platform. All diluted samples (1 + 1 v/v) in 0.2% v/v HNO3 and reference solutions (5.0-50 microg l(-1) Pb in 0.2% v/v HNO3) were spiked with 25 microg l(-1) Bi. For a 20 microl aliquot dispensed into the graphite tube, a good correlation (r = 0.9997) was obtained between the ratio of the analyte signal to the internal standard signal and the analyte concentration of the reference solutions. The electrothermal behaviour of Pb and Bi in red, white and rosé wines were compared. In addition, absorbance variations due to changes in experimental conditions, such as atomizer temperature, integration time, injected sample volume, radiation beam intensity, graphite tube surface, dilution and sample composition, were minimized by using Bi as internal standard. Relative standard deviations of measurements based on integrated absorbance varied from 0.1 to 3.4% and from 0.5 to 7.3% (n = 12) with and without internal standard correction, respectively. Good recoveries (91-104%) for Pb spikes were obtained. The characteristic mass was 45 pg Pb and the limit of detection based on integrated absorbance was 0.9 microg l(-1) Pb. Internal standardization increased the lifetime of the tube by 25%. Direct determinations of Pb in wines with and without internal standardization approaches were in agreement at the 95% confidence level. The repeatability and the tube lifetime were improved when using Bi as internal standard. The improvement in accuracy using an internal standard was only observed when the analytical results were affected by errors.     

Simultaneous multi-element determination with coherent forward scattering spectrometry employing chromatically corrected polarizers and a fast scanning spectrometer

A new coherent forward scattering spectrometer for simultaneous multi-element determination on up to 20 atomic lines has been constructed and evaluated. The apparatus consists of a continuum primary source, calcite Glan-Taylor polarizers equipped with a laboratory-designed chromatic correction for the wavelength range 214–766 nm, an electrothermal atomizer with magnet and autosampler and a laboratory-constructed wavelength modulated polychromator with medium resolving power. Light intensities of up to 20 resonance lines in the wavelength range of 214–500 nm are transferred from the focal plane to an array of 20 miniature photomultipliers by optical fiber-bundles. The instrumentation is controlled by a computer. Owing to modular construction the graphite furnace can be exchanged by a flame. Simultaneous multi-element determinations of Ag, Al, Ca, Cd, Co, Cr, Cu, Fe, K, Mn, Na, Ni, Pb, Sr, Tl and Zn are carried out. The received analytical curves cover 1.5–2.5 orders of magnitude per atomic line, which is in the same order as with multi-element measurements with electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). Further working range expansions are demonstrated with determining on resonance lines with different strengths. The detection limits for the strongest resonance line of most elements are in the μg l⁻¹-range and are one order of magnitude higher than those measured with commercially available ETAAS instrumentation when determining four elements simultaneously. The crossed-to-open extinction ratio of the chromatically corrected Glan-Taylor polarizers is determined to approximately 2.5×10⁻⁵ under installed conditions with the graphite furnace and its two windows in between. The spectral transmissions of these polarizers and the optical fiber-bundles are measured with a photometer. It shows a steep decay for wavelengths below 220 nm.     

A new type of Zeeman-effect atomic-absorption spectrophotometer

A new type of Zeeman-effect atomic-absorption spectrophotometer has been developed. It uses fast heating of a special atomizer made from a pyro-coated graphite tube lined with tungsten-tantalum alloy, for easier determination of refractory and rare-earth elements. A boxcar integrator is used, and the atomic absorption, background absorption and atomization temperature can be recorded. By means of the Zeeman effect, the instrument can correct for background absorbance up to 2.0.     

Shadow spectral imaging of absorbing layers in a transversely heated graphite atomizer: Part 2. Molecules and condensed-phase species

The dynamics of formation and dissipation of chloride, nitrate and sulfate matrix vapors in a transversely heated graphite tube atomizer (THGA) with and without integrated platform was investigated with the use of multi-channel atomic absorption spectrometry and the shadow spectral imaging technique. It is shown that non-uniform heating of the tube walls and platform in the furnace radial cross-section causes vapor transfer from atomizer bottom to less heated sides of the tube and platform. This transfer in the atomizer cross-section can be an additional reason for lower level of matrix interferences in the THGA and is a prerequisite for explosive atomization of some elements that appear as absorbance spikes. The cross-sectional structures of molecular layers and the cloud of condensed phase particles are highly inhomogeneous, resulting in absorbance gradients up to 0.2–0.5 mm^− 1. These structures differ significantly from those observed earlier in end-heated atomizers. Local vortices of the sheath gas, toroid-shaped and bridge-like structures of vapor layers were observed in the atomizer volume. The role of light scattering on the finally dispersed condensed phase particles in the transverse heated furnace is greater than that in the end heated atomizers because of near axis location of the cloud.     

Atomic absorption determination of traces of cadmium in urine after electrodeposition onto a tungsten wire

A three-coil tungsten wire is used as electrode for the preconcentration of cadmium, which is then placed in a graphite tube for atomization and atomic absorption measurement. The heating parameters of the graphite furnace are optimized using the Modified and Weighted Centroid Simplex Method (MWCS), and computer program for automatic calculation. Sulphuric acid is selected as the supporting electrolyte for electrodeposition. The linear range of the calibration graph is 0.00-0.55 ng/ml. The detection limit is 0.01 ng/ml. For 0.1 ng/ml cadmium the coefficient of variation is 3.35% for ten parallel determinations. No interference occurs in the presence of more than 20 coexisting ions. Traces of cadmium in urine of normal people and in river water and the recoveries for cadmium are determined. The results are satisfactory.     

ETAAS method for the determination of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn and Se in blood fractions and whole blood

An electrothermal atomic absorption method (ETAAS) for the direct determination of trace elements (Cd, Cr, Cu, Mn, Se) both in blood fractions (erythrocytes, plasma and lymphocytes) and whole blood was developed. Zeeman background correction and graphite tubes with L’vov platforms were used. Samples were ¶diluted with HNO₃/Triton X-100 and pipetted directly ¶into the graphite tube. Ashing, pretreatment and atomization steps were optimized carefully for the different fractions and elements applying different matrix modifiers ¶for each element. For the lymphocyte fraction a multi-fold injection technique was applied. Low detection limits ¶of the ETAAS method (Cd 0.13 μg/L, Cr 0.11 μg/L, ¶Cu 0.52 μg/L, Mn 0.13 μg/L, Se 0.7 μg/L of whole blood) combined with small quantities of sample necessary for analysis allow determination of trace elements in this matrix. Verification of possible differences in the trace element status of humans was performed with statistical significance (P < 0.05). In addition, a contribution to the determination of normal values of essential elements was achieved. The method was applied for determination of trace elements in human blood and blood fractions of two groups (n = 50) different in health status.     

On chromium direct ETAAS determination in serum and urine

A simple, accurate and reliable method for direct electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometric (ETAAS) determination of chromium in serum and urine samples without any preliminary sample pretreatment is described. Instrumental parameters are optimized in order to define: the most suitable atomizer, optimal temperature program and efficient modifier. An appropriate quantification method is proposed taking into account a matrix interference study. Pyrocoated graphite tubes and wall atomization, pretreatment temperature of 700 °C, atomization temperature of 2600 °C, hydrogen peroxide as modifier and standard addition calibration are recommended. The accuracy of the method proposed for Cr determination in serum and urine was confirmed by comparative analysis of parallel samples after wet or dry ashing as well as by the analysis of two certified reference materials: Serum, Clin Rep 1 and Lypochek Urine, level 1. The detection and determination limits achieved for both matrices are 0.08 μg/L and 0.15 μg/L respectively. The relative standard deviation varied between 15 and 18 % for the chromium content in the samples in the range 0.08–0.2 μg/L and between 4 and 7 % for the chromium content in the range 0.2–2.0 μg/L for both matrices.      

Permanent iridium modifier deposited on tungsten and zirconium-treated platforms in electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry: vaporization of bismuth,silver and tellurium

The stabilizing role of permanent iridium modifier deposited on tungsten-treated (WTP) and zirconium-treated (ZrTP) platforms of transversely heated graphite atomizer (THGA) was studied in detail by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS) and different surface techniques in model experiments for Ag, Bi and Te. The comparison of the stabilizing efficiency of permanent Ir modifier on WTP and ZrTP and each of the single components, reveals the better effect of Ir on WTP and Ir itself. The extent of analyte losses during pre-atomization and the strength of analyte association with the modifier were estimated by the plotting of `differential vaporization curves'. The existence of double peaks of Ag, Bi and Te in WTP and Ir on WTP was confirmed and possible reasons for their formation were discussed. The absorbance profiles presented as differential curves reveal an existence of at least two different types of precursors determining processes of atom generation. The observed differences in the behavior of Ir permanent modifier on WTP and ZrTP, respectively, were explained by the different extent of iridium–tungsten and iridium–zirconium interaction and surface distribution. XRF, ESCA and SEM studies reveal non-uniform distribution of the modifier on the graphite substrate and the presence of oxide containing species on the surface.     

Direct determination of lead in sweet fruit-flavored powder drinks by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A simplified method for direct determination of lead in sweet fruit-flavored powder drinks, syrups and honeys by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry without sample digestion is proposed. Samples were dissolved in water, acidified to 0.2% (v/v) HNO₃, and directly injected into an end-capped transversely heated graphite atomizer (THGA). Building up of carbonaceous residue inside the atomizer was effectively precluded for sugar solutions not exceeding 8.0% (m/v) when a heating program with two pyrolysis steps (600 and 1000°C) was carried out without air-ashing. Under these conditions one atomizer supported about 250 firings. Among various chemical modifiers tested, better recovery and repeatability results were obtained with a 5 μg Pd + 3 μg Mg(NO₃)₂ mixture. Tests carried out with individual concomitants containing up to 1.0 μg Na, K, Ca or Cl, and up to 10.0 μg phosphate or sulphate, and several mixtures of these six concomitants, did not reveal significant interferences on lead atomization. Characteristic mass and detection limit based on integrated absorbance were 15 and 11 pg Pb, respectively. The relative standard deviation based on 10 measurements for typical samples (20–60 ng g⁻¹ Pb) was always lower than 5.5%. The detection limit of 7.0 ng g⁻¹ Pb attained the Codex recommendation for the maximum allowed lead contents in the sugar samples. Application of t-test to the results obtained by the proposed direct analysis, and the official method adopted by Food Chemical Codex, demonstrated that there were no significant differences at the 5% probability level.