Simultaneous determination of cadmium and lead in wine by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

A method has been developed for the direct simultaneous determination of Cd and Pb in white and red wine by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry (ET-AAS) using a transversely heated graphite tube atomizer (THGA) with longitudinal Zeeman-effect background correction. The thermal behavior of both analytes during pyrolysis and atomization stages were investigated in 0.028 mol l⁻¹ HNO₃ and in 1+1 v/v diluted wine using mixtures of Pd(NO₃)₂+Mg(NO₃)₂ and NH₄H₂PO₄+Mg(NO₃)₂ as chemical modifiers. With 5 μg Pd+3 μg Mg as the modifiers and a two-step pyrolysis (10 s at 400°C and 10 s at 600°C), the formation of carbonaceous residues inside the atomizer was avoided. For 20 μl of sample (wine+0.056 mol l⁻¹ HNO₃, 1+1, v/v) dispensed into the graphite tube, analytical curves in the 0.10–1.0 μg l⁻¹ Cd and 5.0–50 μg l⁻¹ Pb ranges were established. The characteristic mass was approximately 0.6 pg for Cd and 33 pg for Pb, and the lifetime of the tube was approximately 400 firings. The limits of detection (LOD) based on integrated absorbance (0.03 μg l⁻¹ for Cd, 0.8 μg l⁻¹ for Pb) exceeded the requirements of Brazilian Food Regulations (decree #55871 from Health Department), which establish the maximum permissible level for Cd at 200 μg l⁻¹ and for Pb at 500 μg l⁻¹. The relative standard deviations (n=12) were typically <8% for Cd and <6% for Pb. The recoveries of Cd and Pb added to wine samples varied from 88 to 107% and 93 to 103%, respectively. The accuracy of the direct determination of Cd and Pb was checked for 10 table wines by comparing the results with those obtained for digested wine using single-element ET-AAS, which were in agreement at the 95% confidence level.     

Determination of cadmium and lead at low levels by using preconcentration at fullerene coupled to thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

A new and sensitive method for Cd and Pb determinations, based on the coupling of thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry and a preconcentrator system, was developed. The procedure comprised the chelating of Cd and Pb with ammonium pyrrolidinedithiocarbamate with posterior adsorption of the chelates on a mixture (40 mg) of C₆₀ and C₇₀ at a flow rate of 2.0 ml min⁻¹. These chelates were eluted from the adsorbent by passing a continuous flow of ethanol (80% v/v) at 0.9 ml min⁻¹ to a nickel tube placed in an air/acetylene flame. After sample introduction into the tube by using a ceramic capillary (0.5 mm i.d.), the analytical signals were registered as peak height. Under these conditions, improvement factors in detectability of 675 and 200 were obtained for Cd and Pb, respectively, when compared to conventional flame atomic absorption spectrometry. Spiked samples (mineral and tap waters) and drinking water containing natural concentrations of Cd were employed for evaluating accuracy by comparing the results obtained from the proposed methodology with those using electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry. In addition, certified reference materials (rye grass, CRM 281 and pig kidney, CRM 186) were also adopted for the accuracy tests. Due to the good linearity ranges for Cd (0.5–5.0 μg l⁻¹) and Pb (10–250 μg l⁻¹), samples with different concentrations could be analyzed. Detection limits of 0.1 and 2.4 μg l⁻¹ were obtained for Cd and Pb, respectively, and RSD values <4.5% were observed (n=10). Finally, a sample throughput of 24 determinations per hour was possible.     

Rhodium as permanent modifier for atomization of lead from biological fluids using tungsten filament electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry

Rhodium (Rh) was investigated as a permanent modifier for the atomization of Pb from biological fluids in W-filament atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS). Heating the W-filament with a Rh solution provided a protective coating for subsequent determinations of Pb in blood and urine matrices. The W-filament AAS instrumentation used was based on a prototype design that utilized self-reversal background correction scheme and peak area measurements. We found that Rh not only stabilized Pb during the pyrolysis step, but also facilitated the removal of carbonaceous residues during the cleaning step, requiring much less power than with phosphate modifier. Thus, the filament lifetime was greatly extended to over 300 firings. Periodic reconditioning with Rh was necessary every 30 firings or so. Conditioning the filament with Rh also permitted direct calibration using simple aqueous Pb standards. The method detection limit for blood Pb was approximately 1.5 μg dl⁻¹, similar to that reported previously. Potential interferences from concomitants such as Na, K, Ca and Mg were evaluated. Accuracy was verified using lead reference materials from the National Institute of Standards and Technology and the New York State Department of Health. Blood lead results below 40 μg dl⁻¹ were within ±1 μg dl⁻¹ of certified values, and within ±10% above 40 μg dl⁻¹; within-run precision was ±10% or better. Additional validation was reported using proficiency test materials and human blood specimens. All blood lead results were within the acceptable limits established by regulatory authorities in the US. When measuring Pb in urine, sensitivity was reduced and matrix-matched calibration became necessary. The method of detection limit was 27 μg l⁻¹ for urine Pb. Urine lead results were also validated using an acceptable range comparable to that established for blood lead by US regulatory agencies.     

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.     

Separation and preconcentration of cadmium ions in natural water using a liquid membrane system with 2-acetylpyridine benzoylhydrazone as carrier by flame atomic absorption spectrometry

A method for the determination of Cd in natural water by flame atomic absorption spectrometry after separation and preconcentration with a bulk liquid membrane containing 2-acetylpyridine benzoylhydrazone as mobile carrier dissolved in toluene has been developed. Effects of carrier concentration, volume of organic phase and pH of feed and receiving solutions on the flux for Cd across the membrane have been studied, being optimized by the modified simplex method. Optimum values for these variables were: carrier concentration of 0.84 g l⁻¹, 74 ml of toluene, pH 7.8 in the feed solution and 0.06 mol l⁻¹ of HNO₃ in the receiving solution, allowing a preconcentration factor of 17.9. The preconcentration step required 7 h to be accomplished. The recovery of Cd at optimum conditions was 101.0±2.7%, even with saline matrix, with good relative standard deviation (2.5%) at 95% confidence level. The detection limit of blank sample was 6 ng l⁻¹ of Cd. The method was validated using a certified reference material (TMDA-62) and also applied successfully to the analysis of Cd in four samples of seawater collected from the coast of Huelva (Spain). The relative errors of determinations were −7.6% for certified reference material and ranging between +2.4 and +7.1%, for samples of seawater (obtained between the results of the proposed and differential pulse anodic stripping voltammetry methods).     

A new strategy for preparation of hair slurries using cryogenic grinding and water-soluble tertiary-amines medium

The investigation of trace metal contents in hair can be used as an index of exposure to potentially toxic elements. Direct determination of Cd, Cu and Pb in slurries of hair samples was investigated using an atomic absorption spectrometer with Zeeman-effect background correction. The samples were pulverized in a freezer/mill for 13 min, and hair slurries with 1.0 g l⁻¹ for the determination of Cu and Pb, and 5.0 g l⁻¹ for the determination of Cd, respectively, were prepared in three different media: 0.1% v/v Triton X-100, 0.14 mol l⁻¹ HNO₃, and 0.1% v/v of CFA-C, a mixture of tertiary amines. The easiest way to manipulate the hair samples was in CFA-C medium. The optimum pyrolysis and atomization temperatures were established with hair sample slurries spiked with 10 μg l⁻¹ Cd²⁺, 30 μg l⁻¹ Pb²⁺, and 10 μg l⁻¹ Cu²⁺. For Cd and Pb, Pd was used as a chemical modifier, and for Cu no modifier was needed. The analyte addition technique was used for quantification of Cd, Cu, and Pb in hair sample slurries. A reference material (GBW076901) was analyzed, and a paired t-test showed that the results for all elements obtained with the proposed slurry sampling procedure were in agreement at a 95% confidence level with the certified values. The cryogenic grinding was an effective strategy to efficiently pulverize hair samples.     

Combining Ammonium Pyrrolidine Dithiocarbamate/methyl Isobutyl Ketone Microextraction in an Inexpensive Disposable Pipette with Laser Ablation Inductively Coupled Plasma Mass Spectrometry for the Determination of Cd and Pd

This paper describes a new analytical method, using a combination of ammonium pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate/methyl isobutyl ketone (APDC‐MIBK) microextraction and laser ablation inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (LA‐ICP‐MS), for the determination of the concentrations of Cd and Pb in aqueous samples. Only 200 μL of organic solvent was used throughout the entire analysis process, with enhancement factors as high as 25. Recoveries from replicate analyses of natural water [NIST 1640(a)] containing mean concentrations of 3.1 μg Cd L^?1 and 9.3 μg Pb L^?1 were 95 ± 3 and 104 ± 4%, respectively. The corresponding detection limits were 0.6 μg L ^?1 for Cd and 0.9 μg L ^?1 for Pb. The main advantage of this approach is its simplicity in terms of sample preparation, as demonstrated by quantifying the levels of Cd and Pd in real samples, including tap water, groundwater, and seawater, using a standard addition method.     

Electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry determination of molybdenum in whole blood

A method for the determination of molybdenum in whole blood by atomic absorption spectrometry with electrothermal atomization was developed and evaluated. Erbium (25 μg) was chosen from several potential chemical modifiers (Sm, Lu, Ho, Eu and Pd+Mg) as the most appropriate for the sensitive and reliable determination of molybdenum in such sample. The process used was direct dilution of the sample in a ratio 1:2 with a 0.1% (v/v) Triton X-100 solution. The injection of 20 μl of a solution of 15% (w/v) hydrogen peroxide and running the temperature program after 5 firings greatly reduced the effect of build-up of carbonaceous residues within the atomizer. The limit of detection and working ranges, respectively, were 0.6 and 2.0–100.0 μg l⁻¹, and the characteristic mass was 7.2 pg. The relative standard deviation varied from 0.8 to 1.5% for within and between batch determinations, respectively. The determination of molybdenum in Seronorm™ Trace Elements in Whole Blood with known added amounts of the analyte was performed to asses the accuracy. The optimized procedure has been applied to the determination of molybdenum in whole blood specimens of 20 subjects taken before and 10–12 h after receiving an over-supply of 1 mg of molybdenum. The molybdenum concentrations (±S.D.) were 10.9±0.4 μg Mo l⁻¹ (range 9.9–11.6 μg Mo l⁻¹) and 15.4±0.4 μg Mo l⁻¹ (range 13.1–16.9 μg Mo l⁻¹) for the individuals before and after the administration of molybdenum.     

Determination of cadmium by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry using electrochemical separation in a microcell

Electrodeposition on the graphite electrode under conditions of controlled current in a flow-through mode, followed by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry, is proposed for the determination of cadmium. After electrolysis in a microcell of 2.6 μl volume, deposited metal was dissolved in 40 μl 0.2 mol l⁻¹ HNO₃ and the whole volume was direct injected into the atomizer. Using this on-line arrangement and electrodeposition from 1.75 ml of sample solution detection limit of 25 ng l⁻¹ Cd was attained. The method was applied for the determination of cadmium in a real sample of seawater.     

Vergleichende atomabsorptionsspektrometrische untersuchungen zur elementspurenbestimmung in Urin

When using a direct determination procedure with graphite-furnace a.a.s. (e.t.a.a.s.), it is sufficient to make an addition of nitric acid in order to arrive at the optimal reduction of the spectral background. A “matrix modifier” (NH₄NO₃, (NH₄)₂HPO₄) produces a background which often cannot be compensated completely. Detection limits of the direct determination technique are: Cd 0.1, Co 8, Cu 4, Ni 5, Pb 2 and Tl 3 (μg l^?1). A similar power of detection can be achieved as with flame-a.a.s. due to a preceding preconcentration step (trace adsorption on highly dispersed silicic acid). After preconcentration and determination with e.t.a.a.s., the detection limits are: Cd 0.002, Co 0.1, Cu 0.05, Ni 0.09, Pb 0.09 and Tl 0.06 (μg l^?1). The trace concentrations in urine of healthy persons were found to be: Cd 0.2–0.8, Co ? 0.1, Cu 4–10, Ni 1–3, Pb 6–10 and Tl 0.7–1.3 (μg l^?1). Direct e.t.-a.a.s. is, therefore, found to be suitable for the determination of Cd, Cu and Pb. For the determination of Co, Ni and Tl concentrations, a preconcentration is required. Cobalt was not found in any of the urine samples at the limit of detection of 0.1 μg l^?1.     

Determination of cadmium,mercury and lead in seawater by electrothermal vaporization isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry

Electrothermal vaporization isotope dilution inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ETV-ID-ICP-MS) has been applied to the determination of Cd, Hg and Pb in seawater samples. The isotope ratios of the elements studied in each analytical run were calculated from the peak areas of each isotope. Various modifiers were tested for the best signal of these elements. After preliminary studies, 0.15% m/v TAC and 4% v/v HCl were added to the sample solution to work as the modifier. The ETV-ID-ICP-MS method has been applied to the determination of Cd, Hg and Pb in NASS-4 and CASS-3 reference seawater samples and seawater samples collected from Kaohsiung area. The results for reference sample NASS-4 and CASS-3 agreed satisfactorily with the reference values. Results for other samples determined by isotope dilution and method of standard additions agreed satisfactorily. Detection limits were approximately 0.002, 0.005 and 0.001 ng ml⁻¹ for Cd, Hg and Pb in seawater, respectively, with the ETV-ICP-MS method. Precision between sample replicates was better than 20% for most of the determinations.     

Micro-scale flow system for on-line multielement preconcentration from saliva digests and determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry

A micro-scale flow system is proposed for on-line preconcentration of Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni and Pb in saliva samples and their determination by inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry (ICP-OES). A small column containing 8 μl of AG50W-X8 resin was inserted into the flow system, assembled with capillary tubes and connected to a micro-concentric nebulizer. The elution of the analytes was performed with 3 mol l⁻¹ HCl at a flow rate of 82 μl min⁻¹. The ICP-OES signal acquisition program permits measurements for 5 s in the concentrated portion of the transient elution peaks. A sample volume of 1 ml was required to obtain enrichment factors of 46, 23, 17, 18 and 44 for Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni and Pb, respectively. The relative standard deviations for a 50-μg l⁻¹ multi-analyte solution were ≤6.5%. The recoveries for Cd, Cu, Mn, Ni and Pb in digested human saliva samples were between 86 and 111%. The sample throughput was 24 h⁻¹.     

Determination of trace elements in sea water by inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrometry

Pb, Zn, Cd, Ni, Mn, Fe, V and Cu in sea water are determined by extraction of their complexes with sodium diethyldithiocarbamate into chloroform, decomposition of the chelates and inductively-coupled plasma emission spectrometry. When 1-l water samples are used, the lowest determinable concentrations are: 0.063 μg Mn l^-1, 0.13 μg Zn l^-1, 0.25 μg Cd l^-1, 0.25 μg Fe l^-1, 0.38 μg V l^-1, 0.5 μg Ni l^-1, 0.5 μg Cu l^-1, and 2.5 μg Pb l^-1. Above these levels, the relative standard deviations are better than 12% for the complete procedure.     

The development of a method for the determination of trace elements in fuel alcohol by electrothermal vaporization–inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry using external calibration

A method for the determination of Ag, As, Cd, Cu, Co, Fe, Mn, Ni, Pb, Sn and Tl in fuel alcohol by electrothermal vaporization inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry is proposed. The determinations were carried out by external calibration against ethanolic solutions, without a chemical modifier, employing the following pyrolysis and vaporization temperatures: 400 °C and 2300 °C for the more volatile analytes and 1000 °C and 2500 °C for the less volatile analytes. The determination of As, Cd, Pb, Sn and Tl was additionally carried out using Pd as modifier at 800 °C pyrolysis and 2400 °C vaporization temperatures. The temperatures were optimized through pyrolysis and vaporization curves. Seven common fuel ethanol, one fuel ethanol with additive and one anhydrous fuel ethanol sample have been analyzed. The measured concentrations were at the μg L⁻¹ level or lower. Since there is no certified reference material for fuel ethanol, the accuracy of the method was checked by the recovery test, with recoveries from 75% to 124%. The limits of detection (LODs), in μg L⁻¹, and the relative standard deviations for 5 replicates were, for the elements in the conditions without modifier: Ag: 0.015 and 9.1%, Co: 0.002 and 10%, Cu: 0.22 and 6.6%, Fe: 0.72 and 4.3%, Mn: 0.025 and 12%, Ni: 0.026 and 9.3%, and for the elements with Pd: As: 0.02 and 2.9%, Cd: 0.07 and 25%, Pb: 0.02 and 3.1%, Sn: 0.010 and 6.0%, Tl: 0.0008 and 2.5%. Electrothermal vaporization avoids the loading of the plasma with organics, allowing the analysis of fuel ethanol by ICP-MS with good accuracy and reasonable precision.     

Direct determination of Cu,Mn, Pb,and Zn in beer by thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry

In this work, thermospray flame furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (TS-FF-AAS) was employed for Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn determination in beer without any sample digestion. The system was optimized and calibration was based on the analyte addition technique. A sample volume of 300 μl was introduced into the hot Ni tube at a flow-rate of 0.4 ml min⁻¹ using 0.14 mol l⁻¹ nitric acid solution or air as carrier. Different Brazilian beers were directly analyzed after ultrasonic degasification. Results were compared with those obtained by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). The detection limits obtained for Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn in aqueous solution were 2.2, 18, 1.6, and 0.9 μg l⁻¹, respectively. The relative standard deviations varied from 2.7% to 7.3% (n=8) for solutions containing the analytes in the 25–50 μg l⁻¹ range. The concentration ranges obtained for analytes in beer samples were: Cu: 38.0–155 μg l⁻¹; Mn: 110–348 μg l⁻¹, Pb: 13.0–32.9 μg l⁻¹, and Zn: 52.7–226 μg l⁻¹. Results obtained by TS-FF-AAS and GFAAS were in agreement at a 95% confidence level. The proposed method is fast and simple, since sample digestion is not required and sensitivity can be improved without using expensive devices. The TS-FF-AAS presented suitable sensitivity for determination of Cu, Mn, Pb, and Zn in the quality control of a brewery.     

Determination of erbium and neodymium dopants in bismuth tellurite optical crystals by graphite furnace atomic spectrometry techniques

Application of concentrated HCl as a solvent and triammonium citrate (TAC) as a chemical modifier is advantageous for the determination of Er and Nd dopants in bismuth tellurite (Bi₂TeO₅) single crystals by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (GFAAS). The use of mini-flow of the internal gas, instead of gas stop, results in better precision at a price of a relatively small decrease in sensitivity. By evaluating integrated absorbance (A_int) signals for the GFAAS measurements (in the presence of matrix and TAC additive), characteristic mass values of 42 and 320 pg, and a limit of detection (LOD) of 4.9 and 131 μg l⁻¹ are found for Er and Nd, respectively. These LOD data correspond to 0.78 μg g⁻¹ Er and 21 μg g⁻¹ Nd in the solid samples. The calibration curves are linear up to 0.33 and 2.9 mg l⁻¹ concentrations in the solutions of Er and Nd, respectively. The ratio of the A_int signals of Er and Nd under gas stop and mini-flow were found near constant (1.34) with and without the matrix plus TAC. According to the vaporisation studies by graphite furnace electrothermal vaporisation inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (GF-ETV-ICP-AES), the vaporisation of Bi and Te components of the solid Bi₂TeO₅ can be completed at 1200°C in a relatively short time, ensuring a preconcentration for the Er and Nd dopants, which do not vaporise below 2200°C in an argon atmosphere. On the other hand, fast vaporisation can be performed for the analytes at 2200°C with the use of CCl₄ vapour (∼0.5 v/v%) in the internal furnace gas (Ar). It was estimated for the Er analyte that by applying 10 mg of solid sample in the GF-ETV device (dispensed into a graphite sample boat) and using a two-step heating procedure (prevaporisation of the matrix in argon and vaporisation of the analyte in a chlorinating atmosphere), the lower limit of the quantitative determination with the ICP-AES method would be approximately one order of magnitude better than attainable with the GFAAS method based on dissolution.     

Coulometric Anodic Stripping Voltammetry of Lead at Copper Column Electrode

A flow coulometric electroanalytical system using a copper column electrode with a copper wire inserted into a Nafion tube was developed to determine Pb(II) content based on anodic stripping voltammetry. The electrolysis efficiency of 5 μM Pb(II) was evaluated to be 100.4±4.5 % (n=5) when the length of the copper wire and flow rate of the Pb(II) solution were 50 cm and 0.1 mL min⁻¹, respectively. The amount of electricity due to the re-oxidation of Pb electrodeposited at the copper column electrode was proportional to the concentration of Pb(II) in the range between 0.1 to 100 μM, and the limit of detection for Pb(II) was 0.8 μM for a deposition time of 15 min. Interference from the presence of Cd(II) could be avoided and the selective determination of Pb(II) was successfully achieved by adjustment of the electrodeposition potential.     

Application of iminodiacetate chelating resin muromac A-1 in on-line preconcentration and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectroscopy determination of trace elements in natural waters

On-line system incorporating a microcolumn of Muromac A-1 resin was used for the developing of method for preconcentration of trace elements followed by inductively coupled plasma (ICP) atomic emission spectrometry determination. A chelating type ion exchange resin has been characterized regarding the sorption and subsequent elution of 24 elements, aiming to their preconcentration from water samples of different origins. The effect of column conditioning, pH and flow rate during the preconcentration step, and the nature of the acid medium employed for desorption of the retained elements were investigated. A sample (pH 5) is pumped through the column at 3 ml min⁻¹ and sequentially eluted directly to the ICP with 3 M HNO₃/HCl mixtures. In order to remove residual matrix elements from the column after sample loading a short buffer wash was found to be necessary. The effectiveness of the matrix separation process was illustrated. The procedure was validated by analyzing several simple matrices, Standard River water sample as well as artificial seawater. Proposed method can be applied for simultaneous determination of In, Tl, Ti, Y, Cd, Co, Cu and Ni in seawater and for multielement trace analysis of river water. Recovery at 1 μg l⁻¹ level for the determination of investigated 24 elements in pure water ranged from 93.1 to 96% except for Pd (82.2%) and Pb (88.1%). For the same concentration level for seawater analysis recovery was between 81.9 and 95.6% except for Hg (38.2%).     

Determination of cadmium by flow injection-chemical vapor generation-atomic absorption spectrometry

A method was developed for the generation of a “cold vapor” of cadmium by means of flow injection-chemical vapor generation from aqueous samples, the determination being conducted with an atomic absorption spectrometer (Pyrex glass T-cell). Several gas-liquid separator designs, atomizer designs, and the effect of several reagents previously reported as sensitivity enhancers (including cobalt, nickel, thiourea and didodecyl-dimethylammonium bromide) were investigated. The limit of detection, calculated as the concentration giving a signal equal to three times the standard deviation of the blank, was 16 ng L^–1, and the relative standard deviation was 1.4% for a concentration of 2 μg L^–1 and 3.8% for 0.1 μg L^–1. The addition of nickel and thiourea to the samples provided improved tolerance to the interference of coexisting ions. Two NIST certified reference materials, Montana Soil and Apple Leaves (respectively containing ¶41.7 ± 0.25 mg kg^–1 Cd and 0.013 ± 0.002 mg kg^–1 Cd) were accurately analyzed. The interference of lead was overcome by coprecipitation with barium sulfate, and the experimental values obtained were 41 ± 1 mg kg^–1 Cd and 0.013 ± 0.002 mg kg^–1 Cd, respectively.     

Determination of heavy metals by electrothermal atomic absorption spectrometry after electrodeposition on a graphite probe

Traces of heavy metals were separated and preconcentrated electrochemically at a controlled potential on the graphite ridge probe. After the electrolysis, the electrode-probe was inserted in the graphite furnace for atomization of metal deposit by an automatic system. Conditions for the electrodeposition, such as pH of solutions, the deposition potential and concentration of electrolyte, were optimized. Detection limits improved with increased time of electrodeposition and were 16 ng l⁻¹ Cu, 1.0 ng l⁻¹ Cd, 6.0 ng l⁻¹ Pb, 64 ng l⁻¹ Ni, 14 ng l⁻¹ Cr (III) and 17 ng l⁻¹ Cr (VI) for a 10-min deposition. This method was applied for the determination of copper, cadmium, lead, nickel and of chromium species in seawater.