Determination of arsenic by arsine generation with reducing tube followed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Summary A sensitive method for hydride generation and graphite tube furnace atomic absorption spectrometric measurements with a reducing tube has been developed for the determination of arsenic in tea and orchard leaves. Arsines were generated in a horizontal glass tube, in which a pellet of NaBH₄ was placed. 1.5–2.0 l/min of argon flow rate and 2,400° C of atomization temperature were the best experimental conditions. The strong supression of the arsenic signal by Ni and Co was effectively eliminated with 1,10-phenanthroline. A detection limit of 0.3 ng was obtained with a precision of 3–4%.Paper read at the Meeting of the Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry, June 1980     

The stability of selected herbicides preconcentrated from estuarine river waters on solid-phase extraction disks

Summary The stability of atrazine, simazine, alachlor, metolachlor, and deethylatrazine on C₁₈ Empore disks has been determined. Estuarine water (100 mL) spiked at 3 g L^–1 with the target pesticide mixture was preconcentrated on the disks; the disks were then stored at –20°C, 4°C, and at room temperature for periods up to three months and were analyzed by gas chromatography with nitrogen-phosphorus detection. Complete recovery was observed after storage at –20°C throughout the period of the study. Losses up to maximum of 10% were observed after storage at 4°C. Higher losses (up to 24% for alachlor) occurred only at room temperature; the coefficient of variation for these determinations (8–11%) was also higher than that for the others (3–5%). The stability of the pesticides was dependent on the water matrix, on storage temperature, and on properties such as vapor pressure and water solubility.     

Flameless atomic-absorption determination of phosphorus using ZrC coated graphite atomizer tubes

Summary A flameless atomic-absorption method for determination of phosphorus is developed, employing zirconium treated graphite tubes. The great improvement of the sensitivity with these tubes eliminates the necessity of adding La(NO₃)₃. The sensitivity does not vary from tube to tube and its maximal value is attained within the first 2–3 firings. The atomization signal is practically the same within the range of 2,600–2,800° C when the rise of the temperature is high (> 1,500° C/s). The best signal to noise ratio is obtained at 2,600° C. The detection limit is 0.05 ppm with injection of 50 l. The method is applied to the analysis of a standard steel sample.

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Flammenlose Atomabsorptionsbestimmung von Phosphor mit einer ZrC-beschichteten Graphitrohrküvette

Zusammenfassung Durch Verwendung einer ZrC-beschichteten Graphitrohrküvette wurde eine wesentliche Erhöhung der Empfindlichkeit erzielt, ohne daß eine Zugabe von La(NO₃)₃ nötig wäre. Bei Küvettenwechsel ändert sich die Empfindlichkeit nicht. Das maximale Signal wird während der ersten 2–3 Bestimmungen erreicht. Das Atomisierungssignal bleibt im Bereich zwischen 2600 und 2800 °C praktisch unverändert. Das Signal/Rausch-Verhältnis ist bei 2600 °C am größten. Die Nachweisgrenze beträgt 0,05 ppm bei 50 l. Die Methode wurde zur Analyse von Stahlstandardproben angewendet.

     

Determination of selenium by hydride generation with reducing tube followed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Summary Selenium was determined in biological samples (tea and bovine liver, NBS, SRM 1577) by a combination of hydride generation with reducing tube, graphite furnace atomization and atomic absorption detection. The selenium was reduced by a pellet of sodium borohydride which was placed in a horizontal glass tube. 1.6–2.0 l/min of argon flow rate and 2400° C of atomization temperature were the best experimental conditions. Copper produces a severe effect on absorbance, even if present in only 2 times the amounts of selenium. Ion-exchange resin (Dowex 50 W-X8) was used for the separation of Cu, Ni and Co. A detection limit of 1 ng was obtained with a precision of 5–6%.

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Selenbestimmung durch Hydriderzeugung im Reduktionsrohr mit nachfolgender Graphitofen-AAS

Zusammenfassung Durch Kombination von Hydriderzeugung und Graphitofen-AAS wurde Selen in biologischen Proben (Tee, Rinderleber, NBS, SRM 1577) bestimmt. Die Reduktion erfolgte durch Natriumborhydrid in einem horizontalen Glasrohr. 1,6–2,0 l/min Argon und 2400° C Atomisierungstemperatur erwiesen sich als optimal. Kupfer übt selbst bei nur doppelter Menge einen störenden Einfluß aus. Zur Abtrennung von Cu, Ni und Co wurde ein Ionenaustauscher (Dowex 50W-X8) verwendet. Die Nachweisgrenze beträgt 1 ng bei einer Reproduzierbarkeit von 5–6%.

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Paper read at the meeting of 9th ICAS/XXII CSI, Tokyo, September 1981     

The first ionization constant from 25 to 200°C and 2000 bar for orthophosphoric acid

The ionization constant of orthophosphoric acid, determined by conductivity measurements, decreased from 7.11×10^–3 at 25°C to 6.2×10^–4 mol-kg^–1 at 200°C. The pressure effect to 2000 bar was also measured and the ratio K₂₀₀₀/K₁ is 2.7 at 25°C and 3.7 at 200°C. The standard partial molar volume change for the ionization at 1 bar, , changes from –16.1 at 25°C to –33.3 cm³-mol^–1 at 200°C. The partial molar compressibility change for the ionization, , varies from –3.8×10^–3 to –8.3×10^–3 cm³-mol^–1 bar^–1 over the same temperature range.     

Determination of vanadium in mussels by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry without chemical modifiers

A method was developed for the quantitative determination of total vanadium concentration in mussels via electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ETAAS). After the microwave digestion of the samples, a program using temperatures of 1600 °C and 2600 °C for ashing and atomization respectively, without any matrix modifiers, allowed us to obtain results that were satisfactory since they agreed closely with certified reference material values. The detection limit was 0.03 mg kg^–1 (dry weight), indicating that the method is suitable for the analysis of mussel samples. This determination was compared with matrix modifiers that have been reported previously. The method was applied to various cultivated and wild mussels from the Galician coast, yielding levels below 1 mg kg^–1 (wet weight).     

The Effect of Preliminary Treatment on the Catalytic Activity of Cobalt–Silica Gel Catalysts in the Complete Oxidation of Methane

The effect of temperature in multiple oxidative–reductive treatments on the activity of cobalt–silica gel catalysts in the complete oxidation of methane is studied. A decrease in the temperature of oxidative–reductive treatments from 500°C to 300°C results in an irreversible decrease in the activity of samples prepared by the impregnation of SiO₂with cobalt nitrate. A sample prepared from cobalt acetate and calcined at 500°C shows a lower activity, which was close to the activity of samples prepared from nitrates and calcined at 300°C.     

Effect of Thermal Treatment on the Structuring of an Iron–Cobalt–Chromium Oxide Catalyst for the Complete Oxidation of Fuel

Catalytic properties and structural aspects of the formation of iron–cobalt–chromium catalysts depending on the temperature of preliminary treatment are studied. A catalytically active iron–cobalt–chromium spinel is formed at a calcination temperature of 580–600°C. If catalytic packings are overheated in the course of hydrocarbon fuel oxidation or if temperatures above 700°C are used for preliminary treatment, the catalytic activity of the samples substantially decreases because an inactive solid solution of iron and chromium oxides with corundum structures is formed.     

Experimental Results and Analysis for Adsorption Ice-Making System with Consolidated Adsorbent

An adsorption ice-making machine has been built with a single consolidated adsorber and activated carbon-methanol pair. A consolidated adsorbent block made of activated carbon mixed with a binder with good heat transfer properties has been developed and implemented in the adsorber. The design is focused on the adsorber consisting of copper finned tubes and carbon blocks. Experimental tests have been performed suitable for ice making. This paper describes the experimental results of such an ice-maker operating with an intermittent cycle and a cycle time of 35 minutes. The thermal conditions used to test the cycle are: 115°C heat source, 22°C heat sink, the evaporator temperature corresponding to the chilled ethylene glycol temperature is –7°C. At this evaporating pressure, the mass transfer resistance controls the adsorption process. Test results show that the COP reaches 0.07 whereas the SCP (specific cooling power) is 11 W kg^–1 activated carbon. A two-bed adsorptive prototype ice-making machine operating with a heat and mass recovery cycle has also been made for onboard adsorption refrigeration in fishing boats. Good performances have been achieved due to improved mass transfer and the new ice maker can produce 18–20 kg h^–1 of flake ice at mean temperature of –7°C.     

Comparative Study of the Effect of Sample Matrix on the Atomic Absorption of High-Volatile Elements in Two-Step and Conventional Atomizers

The space–time dynamics of absorbing atomic layers of cadmium and lead and molecular layers of zinc chloride in a commercially produced transverse-heated graphite atomizer and a newly developed two-step atomizer was studied. It was shown that the limiting temperature of cadmium pyrolysis in the two-step atomizer without the use of modifiers may be as high as 1000°C, whereas in the commercial analyzer is it not higher than 300°C. Levels of nonselective absorption due to sodium chloride were compared. It was found that, for a two-step atomizer, the maximum allowable mass of sodium chloride for which the background at lead and cadmium lines can be adequately compensated is 17–30 times higher than that for the commercial atomizer. The atomization of cadmium in the presence of sodium chloride was studied using time, space, and spectral resolution. It was shown that the effect of the chloride matrix in the two-step atomizer is suppressed because of sample fractionation and distillation in the course of its evaporation and condensation.     

Determination of cadmium in coal using solid sampling graphite furnace high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry

This work describes the development of a method to determine cadmium in coal, in which iridium is used as a permanent chemical modifier and calibration is performed against aqueous standards by high-resolution continuum source atomic absorption spectrometry (HR-CS AAS). This new instrumental concept makes the whole spectral environment in the vicinity of the analytical line accessible, providing a lot more data than just the change in absorbance over time available from conventional instruments. The application of Ir (400 g) as a permanent chemical modifier, thermally deposited on the pyrolytic graphite platform surface, allowed pyrolysis temperatures of 700 °C to be used, which was sufficiently high to significantly reduce the continuous background that occurred before the analyte signal at pyrolysis temperatures <700 °C. Structured background absorption also occurred after the analyte signal when atomization temperatures of >1600 °C were used, which arose from the electron-excitation spectrum (with rotational fine structure) of a diatomic molecule. Under optimized conditions (pyrolysis at 700 °C and atomization at 1500 °C), interference-free determination of cadmium in seven certified coal reference materials and two real samples was achieved by direct solid sampling and calibrating against aqueous standards, resulting in good agreement with the certified values (where available) at the 95% confidence level. A characteristic mass of 0.4 pg and a detection limit of 2 ng g^–1, calculated for a sample mass of 1.0 mg coal, was obtained. A precision (expressed as the relative standard deviation, RSD) of <10% was typically obtained when coal samples in the mass range 0.6–1.2 mg were analyzed.Dedicated to the memory of Wilhelm Fresenius     

Determination of antimony in solder alloy by hydride generation followed by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

Summary Antimony was determined in solder alloy (NBS; SRM 1276) by a combination of hydride generation with reducing tube, graphite furnace atomization and atomic absorption detection. Stibines were generated in a horizontal glass tube, in which a pellet of sodium borohydride was placed. 1.2–1.3 1/min of argon flow rate, 2,300° C of atomization temperature and 1.2–2.5 M of acids concentration were the best experimental conditions. The strong supression of the antimony signal by nickel, cobalt and copper was effectively eliminated with 1,10-phenanthroline. A detection limit of 1.2 ng was obtained with a precision of 4–5%. The reducing tube used in this technique is extremely simple and can be connected to all the types of graphite furnaces. Furthermore, this technique can be used for the determination of mercury [1].

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Bestimmung von Antimon in Lotlegierung durch Hydriderzeugung mit nachfolgender Atomisierung im Graphitrohr und AAS-Detektion

Zusammenfassung Antimon wurde nach diesem Verfahren in Lotlegierung NBS (SRM 1276) bestimmt. Die Stibine wurden in einer horizontalen Glasröhre erzeugt, die gekörntes Natriumborhydrid enthielt. Der Argonfluß betrug 1, 2–1,3 l/min, die Atomisierungstemperatur 2300° C und die Konzentration an Säure 1,2–1,5 M. Die starke Unterdrückung des Sb-Signals durch Ni, Co und Cu konnte erfolgreich mit Hilfe von 1,10-Phenanthrolin verhindert werden. Die Nachweisgrenze lag bei 1,2 ng, die Präzision betrug 4–5%. Die benutzte Reduktionsröhre ist sehr einfach und kann an alle Typen von Graphitöfen angeschlossen werden. Das Verfahren läßt sich auch zur Quecksilberbestimmung [1] einsetzen.

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Paper read at the meeting of the Japan Society for Analytical Chemistry, October 1983     

Different platform and tube geometries and atomization temperatures in graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry: Cadmium determination in whole blood as a case study

In the present work the performance of different platform and tube geometries and atomization temperatures in graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry was investigated, using the determination of Cd in whole blood as an example. Grooved, integrated and fork platforms as well as atomization temperatures between 1200 °C and 2200 °C were investigated in a longitudinally heated graphite atomizer and compared with the performance of a transversely heated furnace. In the longitudinally heated furnace the increase of the atomization temperature in the studied range resulted in an increase of matrix effects for all platform geometries. The integrated platform exhibited slightly lower sensitivity and increased multiplicative interferences in comparison to the other two platform designs. Interference-free Cd determination was possible with all types of platforms and 1200 °C as the atomization temperature as well as with grooved and fork platforms at 1700 °C. On the other hand, lower atomization temperatures resulted in poorer limits of detection, due to the longer integration time needed. No matrix effect was observed at any atomization temperature using the transversely heated atomizer; in addition, limits of detection were better than those observed with the longitudinally heated atomizer. Best values were around 0.02 μg L^− 1 with the latter atomizer compared to values around 0.02 μg L^− 1 with the former one.     

Comparative study of conventional and multivariate methods for aluminum determination in soft drinks by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

In the present study, conventional and multivariate methods were used to optimize conditions for direct determination of aluminum in soft drinks by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. For the conventional method, the optimized experimental parameters were: pyrolysis and atomization temperatures and chemical modifier. A multivariate study was performed using factorial design and the optimized parameters were the same employed in the univariate method including pyrolysis time. For the conventional method, the optimal conditions obtained were: pyrolysis temperature of 1600 °C, atomization temperature of 2700 °C, and Zr as permanent modifier. For the factorial design in the multivariate optimization, the Pareto´s chart showed that the atomization temperature, the modifier, and the pyrolysis temperature presented a significant effect on the integrated absorbance and the interaction between pyrolysis temperature and pyrolysis time also had a significant effect on the signal. Better results were obtained using Zr as modifier. The surface response indicates that the lowest pyrolysis (1100 °C) and atomization temperatures (2350 °C) provide higher absorbance for aluminum in soft drinks. Characteristic mass of 23.4 and 19.4 pg and LOD of 17.9 and 11.3 μg L^− 1 was obtained to conventional and multivariate methods, respectively. The calibration was accomplished with standard addition in a range of 60–200 μg L^− 1 for conventional method and of 38–200 μg L^− 1for multivariate method with R higher than 0.99 for both conditions. Recoveries in both studies were nearly 100% with adequate precision for GFAAS analysis. For the Al concentrations level found in soft drinks, both experimental conditions are adequate as good results were obtained in recovery studies. The Al concentrations in different soft drinks range from 147.9 to 599.5 μg L⁻¹. Higher concentrations were found in soft drinks sold in Al cans than in PET bottles, indicating that contamination can occur.     

Electrical conductivity measurements of hyaluronic acid and collagen

Electrical properties of hyaluronic acid (HYA) and collagen in the temperature range from –90°C (resp. –50°C for collagen) to 40°C are described. The value and type of electrical conductivity, temperature stability, and processes arising in the investigated samples during continual stress heating are determined by the measurements of temperature dependence of the electrical conductivity (both d.c. and a.c.).     

Effect of an Alkylsulfo Compound on the Chromium Electrodeposition Rate

Effect of an alkylsulfo compound (ASC) on the cathodic process in chromate solutions is studied at 20–70°C. Below 40–50°C, ASC reduces the current efficiency for chromium (CE). Above 40–50°C, CE rises and then remains invariant with temperature. The ASC effect on the Cr deposition rate is attributed to variations in the sulfate concentration near the cathode, which are caused by the presence of ASC and its hydrolysis.     

Separation of mixtures of permanent gases and light hydrocarbons on spherical carbon molecular sieves by gas-solid chromatography

Summary Experimental results are presented on the application of Carbosieve S (Supelco) and Spherocarb (Analabs) spherical carbon molecular sieves for the gas chromatographic separation of mixtures of permanent gases and C₁–C₃ hydrocarbons using a single column or two columns in series. At a programmed temperature of 35–300°C, good separation of the sample components was obtained when using helium as the carrier gas. When hydrogen was used as the carrier gas and the analysis was carried out under isothermal conditions the elution sequence of oxygen and nitrogen reversed as the temperature was increased. This behaviour was observed within a temperature range of 35–225°C for Carbosieve S, and within a temperature range of 35–300°C for Spherocarb.     

Determination of differences in free and bound water contents of beef muscle by DSC under various freezing conditions

The differences in bound water content of beef semimembranous muscle samples obtained from previously chilled (24 h at +4°C) middle-aged beef carcasses were determined by the use of DSC. Initially, samples obtained from fresh, unprocessed meat were frozen at –40, –50 or –65°C to determine their melting peaks for freezable water (free water) content with the use of DSC. The samples were then subjected to an environment with an ambient temperature of –30, –35, –40 or –45°C, with no air circulation, or with an air circulation speed of 2 m s^–1, until a thermal core temperature of –18°C was attained; this was followed by thawing the samples until a thermal core temperature of 0°C was reached. This process was followed by subjecting the samples to the ambient temperatures mentioned above, to accomplish complete freezing and thawing of the samples, with DSC, and thereby determination of the freezable water contents, which were then used to determine the peaks of melting. The calculated peak areas were divided by the latent heat of melting for pure water, to determine the freezable water contents of the samples. The percentage freezable water content of each sample was determined by dividing its freezable water content by its total water content; and the bound water content of each sample was determined by subtracting the percentage free water content from the total. In view of the fact that the free water content of a sample is completely in the frozen phase at temperatures of –40°C and below, the calculations of free and bound water contents of the samples were based on the averages of values obtained at three different temperatures.     

Re-Evaluation of the Activity Coefficients of Aqueous Hydrochloric Acid Solutions up to a Molality of 2.0 Using Two-Parameter Hückel and Pitzer Equations. Part II. Results from 0 to 95°C

Simple two-parameter Hückel and Pitzer equations were used for the calculation of the activity coefficients of aqueous hydrochloric acid at temperatures 0–60°C up to a molality of 2.0 mol-kg^–1. The data obtained by Harned and Ehlers^(2,3) on galvanic cells without a liquid junction were used in the parameter estimations of these equations. These data consist of sets of measurements at the temperature intervals of 5°C. It was observed that all estimated parameters follow very simple equations with respect to temperature. They are either constant or depend linearly on the temperature. The values for the activity coefficient parameters calculated by these simple equations are recommended here. The recommended parameter values were tested by predicting the data of Gupta, Hills, and Ives,⁽⁵⁾ consisting of cell measurements from 5 to 45°C and molalities up to 1.0 mol-kg^–1, and the data of Bates and Bower,⁽⁴⁾ which extend to 95°C but measurements were only made on molalities less than about 0.1 mol-kg^–1. The activity coefficients obtained by the new equations were also compared to those calculated by the Pitzer equations with the parameter values determined by Saluja, Pitzer, and Phutela⁽⁶⁾ from calorimetric data. The agreement observed was excellent up to a molality of 1.5 mol-kg^–1 at temperatures from 0 to 60°C.     

Beiträge zur Stickstoffbestimmung in organischen Substanzen durch katalytische Hydrogenolyse in der Gasphase. II

Zusammenfassung Die Konversion des organischen Stickstoffes zu Ammoniak wurde bei verschiedenen Temperaturen auf drei Nickelkatalysatoren (A Nickelasbest, B Gemisch von Nickelpulver, Thoriumoxid und Asbest, C granuliertes Gemisch von Nickel und Magnesiumoxid) ermittelt. Jeder Katalysator wurde mit drei verschiedenen Stickstoffgruppen und ohne andere Heteroelemente geprüft. Die Abhängigkeit der Konversion von der Temperatur wurde graphisch dargestellt. Der Temperaturbereich, innerhalb dessen die Konversion quantitativ verläuft, wurde festgelegt. Diese Temperaturbereiche der einzelnen Katalysatoren liegen in folgenden Grenzen: A und C 350–500° C, B 350–700° C. Als optimale Arbeitstemperatur zur Stickstoffbestimmung in Substanzen mit beliebiger Stickstoffbindung (einschließlich der Mononitroverbindungen) kann man einheitlich für alle drei Katalysatoren 350° C empfehlen, wenn man die Substanzprobe vor der Hydrierung mit Nickelpulver vermischt.Der breite Temperaturbereich des Katalysators B mit der oberen Grenze 700° C ermöglicht die Stickstoffbestimmung in einigen Substanztypen, die bei der üblichen Arbeitstemperatur von 350° C zu niedrige Stickstoffwerte geben, namentlich Dinitro- und Nitroso-verbindungen, die mit dem Katalysator B bei 700° C mit Erfolg analysiert werden können. Trinitroverbindungen werden dagegen nicht einmal bei dieser extrem hohen Temperatur quantitativ hydriert.

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Contributions to nitrogen determination in organic substances by catalytic hydrogenolysis in the gas phase. II

Summary The conversion of organic nitrogen to ammonia was determined at various temperatures on three nickel catalysts (A nickel-asbestos, B mixture of nickel powder, thorium oxide and asbestos, C granulated mixture of nickel and magnesium oxide). Every catalyst was tested with three different nitrogen groups and without other heteroelements. The dependence of the conversion on the temperature was shown graphically. The temperature region within which the conversion proceeds quantitatively was fixed. These temperature regions of the individual catalysts are in the following limits: A and C 350–550° C, B 350–700° C. As optimal working temperature for determination of nitrogen in substances with any given nitrogen bonding (including the mononitro compounds), 350° C can be recommended uniformly for all three catalysts when the substance sample is mixed with nickel powder before hydrogénation.The wide temperature range of the catalyst B with the upper limit 700° C enables determination of nitrogen in a few substances types which give too low nitrogen values at the usual working temperature at 350° C, namely dinitro and nitroso compounds, which can be analyzed successfully with the catalyst B at 700° C. On the other hand, trinitro compounds were not quantitatively hydrogenated even at this extremely high temperature.