Rapid determination of gold in geological samples using flow injection solid-phase chemiluminescence.

The solid-phase chemiluminescence analysis of gold on the surface of an anion-exchange resin was studied. A method for the fast determination of gold using flow injection was established. The anion-exchange resin was used as an adsorbent of gold ion in the form of AuCl4-. The cation-exchange resin was used for the on-line separation of cations in the matrix. To obtain the best results, the preconcentration and separation conditions, chemiluminescence conditions, interfering ions and their elimination conditions were optimized. The linear range of the calibration curve of AuCl4- is from 0 microg ml(-1) to 5.00 microg ml(-1). The detection limit of AuCl4- is 0.012 microg ml(-1). The method has been used for the determination of gold in geological samples (standard ores). The results are in agreement with certified value of gold standard samples with relative standard deviation from 2.22% to 8.97%. Through the use of flow injection, the preconcentration and separation can be performed automatically.