Detection of sulphate by flame emission spectrometry

A reasonably simple method for the determination of sulphate is presented. The method is based on disulphur molecular emission, produced in a hydrogen-nitrogen diffusion flame, utilizing a conventional atomic absorption spectrometer, with simple accessories to handle in-line ion-exchange pretreatment. A simplex program was written and used to obtain optimum experimental conditions. Disulphur emission was found to occur at temperatures from below 150°C; the optimum temperature is ca. 200°C. The method can be used for the determination of sulphate down to ca. 10 mg S l^?1.