Determination of metals in small samples by atomic absorption and emission spectrometry with discrete nebulization

Eight elements in NBS-SRM 1577 bovine liver and other biological standards are determined by flame atomic absorption (Ca, Cu, Fe, Mg, Mn and Zn) and emission (K and Na) spectrometry. Samples (2 mg) weighed into a 3.8-ml teflon vessel are decomposed with 40 μl of (5 ÷ 1) nitric—perchloric acids in a sealed teflon vessel. A 75-μl or 100-μl aliquot of the diluted sample solution is injected into a small teflon funnel coupled directly to the nebulizer needle of the spectrometer. The results obtained agree well with certified values: the standard deviation is about 2%.