Determination of Trace Elements in Aerosol Samples Collected on Polycarbonate Filters by Atomic Absorption Spectrometry

Abstract

The multi-element analysis of aerosol samples collected on polycarbonate filters and the wet digestion procedure in open vessel were investigated. The concentrations of Na, K, Ca, Mg and Zn were determined by flame atomic absorption spectrometry with a micro injection system while Cd, Pb, Cu, Ni and V were determined by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry (AAS).

NIES N[ddot] 8 “Vehicle Exhaust Particulate” Certified Reference Material from the Japan Environment Agency was used to study the decomposition of the samples. Different treatments were applied in order to completely dissolve the aerosol samples. It was found that, from all the methods tested, attack with micro-quantities of HNO₃ and HCIO₄ in an air pressure digestion system was the best procedure for the determination of the elements by AAS.

The recommended method was appropriate for all elements and it was applied to real samples. Two nondestructive analytical techniques for the determination of Na, K, Ca, Mg, Zn and Pb have been compared with the proposed method: proton induced X-ray emission (PIXE) and neutron activation analysis (NAA). Results obtained by the application of these three techniques were similar.     

Gallic Acid,Ellagic Acid and Pyrogallol Reaction with Metallic Iron

Hyperfine Interactions - The reaction between gallic acid, ellagic acid and pyrogallol with metallic iron was studied using infrared and Mössbauer spectroscopy. Most hydrolysable tannins with...     

Comparison Of Analytical Techniques For The Determination Of Trace Elements In Rain Water

Abstract

Summary-Two methods for the determination of cadmium, copper and lead in EPA reference precipitation sample, corresponding to 1987, 1988, 1989 and 1990 BAPMoN Intercomparison Program, have been compared: graphite furnace atomic absorption spectroscopy (GFAAS) and anodic stripping voltametry (ASV). A relatively good agreement was found between the two techniques and with the reference values. The results for the analysis of Cl and F by spectrophotometry, Ca, Mg, Na, K and Zn by AAS, and Fe, Mn, Cu, Ni, Pb and Cd by GFAAS in the same sample, corresponding to 1988 and 1989, showed good agreement with the stated values. The results of Easter Island rain waters for the years 1990 and 1991 are presented.