Separative column atomizer for the direct determination of trace amounts of volatile elements by atomic absorption spectrometry

A novel atomizer effective for direct analysis was developed using a new type separative column atomizer (SCA) module. The SCA module incorporated an atomization part, a separation column and/or reaction column part and observation windows for atomic spectroscopic measurement. This module was applied to the direct analysis of trace amounts of mercury and cadmium in practical samples. No background absorption was observed on the thermal decomposition of synthesized samples in a starch matrix and human hair at the wavelengths of the analytical lines of Hg and Cd. The effectiveness of the technique for the determination of elemental compositions is evaluated.